The Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization will debate the initial draft of amendments to House Bill (HB) 2017, which will constitute the massive transportation funding bill that has been developed throughout the 2017 session. As a reminder, this is a funding package that will address all modes, with significant proposed new investments in transit, non-road projects, congestion relief and, of crucial interest to counties, maintenance and preservation of the existing system.
Significant work remains to be done, however. Continued debate over adjustments to the “Low Carbon Fuel Standard/Clean Fuels” program passed in 2015 are ongoing. Resolution of this issue will be one of the critical factors in determining whether a funding package will move forward by sine die. Another major factor is the resolution of the overall state general fund budget and any competing tax votes legislators must take. AOC will continue to vigorously advocate for a badly needed package that begins to address the massive disinvestment in the state’s transportation system.
Contributed by: Mike Eliason | AOC Transportation Policy Manager