The Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association is calling on Governor John Bel Edwards to initiate the discussion with the new legislative leadership on increasing infrastructure funding. President of Louisiana Good Roads Ken Perrett says it is vital to come up with a plan that everyone can support.
“That’s the only way we’re going to really get any long term solution to our road and bridge problem is if the Governor and the legislature is able to work together.”
The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the transportation system. Perret recommends adjusting the gas tax, which he says hasn’t been adjusted in over 30 years.
“It’s actually paid by the road and bridge users, so it’s an equitable way to do it and there’s other ways they could look at. Part of the sales tax that was raised last session, instead of appealing it, dedicate some of that to the highway trust fund.”
Perret says the state should try to use existing revenues if they can as no one likes seeing tax increases.
“Good roads cost money but bad roads cost more, so people are being penalized every day from the bad roads. They’re actually paying a ‘bad roads tax’ because it costs more to operate your car, higher insurance rates, and everything else.”
