Missouri group happy Trump targeting infrastructure, thinks funding through toll roads will have limited application in Missouri

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

An advocate for the state’s road builders is happy President elect Donald Trump has pledged to rebuild the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

But Len Toenjes, who heads the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, thinks a more broad based approach is needed to finance roads and bridges.

Trump’s plan relies heavily on private financing, offering almost $140 billion in tax breaks to companies who invest in projects . . .

However, the firms making those investments would require a revenue source to offset their expenses, which would result in a vast expansion of toll roads. . . .

“In Missouri, if you look at some of the lettered roads, or some of the arterial roads that receive state or federal support right now, it’s unrealistic to think that those could be privatized” said Toenjes.

Link: 

Missouri group happy Trump targeting infrastructure, thinks funding through toll roads will have limited application in Missouri

MoBikeFed comment: Our position on every type of transportation funding proposal, is whether walking, bicycling, and public transportation are going to receive a fair share of funding.

It is difficult to imagine a scenario where that will happen, if all proposed funding is based on toll roads and public-private partnerships.

Toenjes notes that 65-70 of MoDOT's funding comes from the federal government, and Missouri currently receives back more in federal transportation funding than we pay in taxes.