(07/21/07) The Reason Foundation’s Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway systems has ranked Vermont the 13th worst performing road system in the country. It’s been unchanged since 2000.

Vermont scores best on urban inter state condition (1st), fatality rate (3rd), and urban interstate congestion (7th). It scored lowest on rural pavement conditions (46th) and deficient bridges (44th).

For years, policy makers in Vermont have diverted millions of transportation money for non-transportation purposes. The Reason report indicates Vermont’s spending priorities have resulted in a weak infrastructure.

The bridge on Rt. 116 south of Bristol has been a single lane temporary structure for at least 15 years. Yet transportation money is spent on inefficient programs like Amtrak where the total subsidy per passenger is $40+, a lease for a Burlington train station that has no train and multi-million dollar tourist’s centers. Road and bridge money is also used to fund fish and wild life and millions for public education.

We don’t need more transportation taxes; we need to refocus where it is spent.

Our pathway to prosperity and competitiveness will erode until our fiscal policy is more responsive to our needs.
 

Frank Mazur
South Burlington

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Frank Mazur is a small business owner and was a member of the Vermont House from 1995-2004.