Repeal Missouri constitutional requirement to spend $$$ on road projects only : StlToday

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All modes of transportation require substantial subsidy. None are self-sufficient. Missouri is only able to maintain its highway network by subsidizing underperforming roadways with gas tax money from more heavily used roads and other sources such as the general fund and state bond proceeds.

This has important implications for how Missouri invests in transportation. Due to the restrictions imposed by the state constitution — specifically Section 30(b) of Article IV — the source of transportation money dictates how that money must be spent. This is a significant barrier to sound transportation planning, in part because the strict requirements of Section 30(b) force planners to pour money into road projects even when roads are not the best solution. . . .

A better approach would be to repeal Section 30(b) and allow transportation planners to determine the best and most productive investments without regard to the source of funds. Under this approach, all potential transportation projects would be evaluated on their merits, ensuring that limited resources flow to projects that yield the greatest economic and social return on investment.

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