The increased use of hybrid and electric vehicles is reducing the amount of fuel tax that is collected due to the efficiency of these vehicles. These vehicles contribute less to use the roads, despite creating the same wear and tear as gas powered vehicles. This has created a further diminishing of a significant source of funds to build and maintain roads.
The current funding for road construction, maintenance and operation comes primarily from fuel taxes. The fuel taxes in Nevada have not been raised since 1992.
Inflation has eaten away the buying power of each penny – even in these challenging economic times.
The evaluation and studying of the VMT fees as a potential funding source is needed for the legislature and local elected officials to make a much needed decision on how to fund our future transportation needs.
The vehicle miles traveled study will be conducting public information meetings from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Reno Sparks Convention Center in Room A-3, 4590 S. Virginia St. in Reno.
A second meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 29 at the Clark County Government Complex in the Pyramid Building.
Additional information can be found at www.VMTFeeNV.com
The Nevada Highway Users Coalition was formed to advance the rights of Nevada’s residents and visitors who travel on safe, reliable public roads; for the efficient transport of goods and effective public safety; and to hold government accountable for ensuring financing is transparent, motivated by public good and dedicated to transportation purposes.
The Regional Transportation Commission’s role was incorrectly stated. The RTC did collaborate on phase one of the study. However, they are not currently moving forward with the Nevada Department of Transportation due to economic conditions.