The highways will always crumble. Crumbling highways are used to sell the public on sending their money to feed the greed of an ever-expanding government. Potholes are fundraisers. So the idea is not to fix the highways. That would kill the golden goose.
Check out this site to see some of the things on which the transportation trust fund is spent while the highways crumble.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/fundrec.htm
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
henry: Settle yourself and read more carefully. I was not commenting on pro-highway politicians. I was commenting on his inaccurate assertion that most of the Federal tax levy goes to general revenue, which it most certainly does not. In fact, because the tax is a fixed tax per gallon (not increased since 1993), it has not kept pace with highway infrastructure needs and so money from general revenue has to be added to the Highway Trust Fund to make up the difference.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Settle down Schlimm...yes the Federal government levies a tax. But so do states, counties, and towns And not just a tax but a fuel or gas tax which combines with the Federal tax to bring the cost of the gallon up to a certain level which is then smothered with a general sales tax. So the allegation that politician at all levels are pro highway, pro oil, makes a lot of dollars and sense in that respect. More dollars and sense if we understand they don't want to take away their cash flow, not even a cent!
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
locoi1sa You really don't get it do you? Look at the big picture. GAS TAX. Why would some political party either Dem or GOP want you to spend less and use less gas? It would only decrease what they get to spend. The biggest mistake of this country was when the gas tax was put into the general fund instead of infrastructure only. The gas tax was originally supposed to be used for roads and bridge repair and other transportation building projects. Now little more then .05 percent of gas tax is used for what it was supposed to be used for. Wake up and demand from your congress to restore the gas tax to its original intention. Then you will see more common sense projects. Pete
You really don't get it do you? Look at the big picture. GAS TAX. Why would some political party either Dem or GOP want you to spend less and use less gas? It would only decrease what they get to spend. The biggest mistake of this country was when the gas tax was put into the general fund instead of infrastructure only. The gas tax was originally supposed to be used for roads and bridge repair and other transportation building projects. Now little more then .05 percent of gas tax is used for what it was supposed to be used for. Wake up and demand from your congress to restore the gas tax to its original intention. Then you will see more common sense projects.
Pete
Instead of engaging in a political rant, how about getting your information correct? Since 10/1/1997, the Federal gasoline tax rate has been 18.4 cents per gallon, which goes entirely to the Highway Trust Fund. Of that, 15.44 cents goes to the Highway Account and 2.86 to the Mass Transit Account. Because the tax rate is stagnant, $8 bil. had to be transferred to it from General Revenue in 2008
As a political cynic (sic) I have to disagree. The politicians were not short sighted. A possible insight to their thinking...
1. This is a study that requires no NH money .. "Hate to turn down any money"
2. If this study goes thru there may be shown an overwhelming desire for the service in the areas affected.
3. We do not want any more liberals from Ma moving to our state reducing our political base. (NIMBY?)
4. I've got a car and want to be able to use it in the future with as little difficulty as possible. Don't want to loose funds to a rail line.
5. For the above reasons if gasoline does go to $5 the state will be sunk no matter what is installed or not installed.
6, I will loose national party support (money and endorsements) if I don't toe the party line so the party will support someone else to replace me
7. Everyone should own and operate a car to all destinations.
8. Who cares about the little guy and older persons?..
9. Other posters with some items?
We must have really far-sighted politicians in California. There are more commuter trains here all the time, our "leaders" want to raise our taxes to even more absurd levels, and the state government is already running a deficit at an annualized rate of about $17 billion. Whoopee!
Excuse me if I don't join the badmouthing of the New Hampshire guys.
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
BaltACD When it comes to transportation other than automobiles, most political bodies have all the vision of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.
When it comes to transportation other than automobiles, most political bodies have all the vision of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.
Fixed that for you...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
When it comes to transportation, most political bodies have all the vision of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
NH plays up the concept there is no income tax...and the gas prices aren't as bad as some...but the other taxes and cost of living there is high. My brother moved up there less than 10 years ago and is not ready to move out!. Not only have they nixed the commuter line but also turned their backs on the Downeast service by not putting money into the pot for its running or station stops...but did backtrack (so to speak) somehow and eventually got a stop at Dover. My speculation is that is why Maine, while looking at Portland-Montreal service someday in the future, has worked on holding the train in their state for as far north as possible.
The New Hampshire Republicans mangaed to kill a potential commuter line to Boston this week. While I am indeed a railfan...I am also a realist and I know we'll be seeing $5/gallon gas before too much longer and then all those folks in New Hampshire will wish they had more public transportation and I will be saying (among others)...TOLD 'YA SO!
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