“When Utah drivers travel through the state’s pothole-filled city-county streets, they should not blame local mayors and council members,” writes Don Gale. “The real villains are the governor and members of the state legislature.”
When Utah drivers travel through the state’s pothole-filled city-county streets, they should not blame local mayors and council members.
The most obvious example is local roads. City and county roads have rarely, if ever, been in worse shape than they are today.Such road conditions cause accidents and lead to expensive auto repairs or tire damage, not to mention driver frustration. The research also shows that, as a result, local governments were forced to reduce expenditures on such things as road maintenance so they can continue to fund such vital services as fire departments, police, waste disposal, parks and lighting. They have also been forced to increase their dependence on sales taxes and to impose additional fees on services such as trash collection and wastewater treatment.
It would also make sense to direct some of the gasoline tax money collected by the state toward city and county road maintenance. After all, a large share of gasoline tax money originates within city limits. The problem will grow even worse as electric vehicles replace gasoline-powered cars and trucks. Lawmakers will surely find ways to tax cars that use electricity. Most electric vehicles will likely be housed in urban areas since recharging requirements limit their range.
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