I-95 Corridor Coalition Chooses Firm to Run Pilot That Analyzes Funding Options
The I-95 Corridor Coalition has selected CH2M to pilot a program exploring alternative revenue mechanisms for transportation funding.
According to an announcement released by CH2M on Aug. 1, the engineering and consulting company will provide management, planning and technical services for the project, which examines mileage-based user fees as a possible alternative.
The $1.16 million-project will focus on three chief activities within Delaware and Pennsylvania: public outreach on the importance of investing in transportation, analysis of issues such as out-of-state mileage estimates and MBUF funds, and an MBUF pilot system.
“The primary source for surface transportation revenues — the pay-at-the-pump fuel tax, which is typically based on a fixed amount per gallon — is not keeping up with the increasing infrastructure and operational needs of the roadway networks, let alone future investment needs,” Patricia Hendren, executive director of the I-95 Corridor Coalition, said in a press release issued by CH2M. “This is especially true of the coalition’s region, where the infrastructure is America’s oldest and the need for capacity enhancements and continual maintenance and rehabilitation is most acute.”
CH2M has tested several MBUF pilot programs in the past, including the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Road Usage Charge Pilot Program and the California Road Charge Pilot Program.
“Together, this extensive network of roads serves 103 commercial airports and 46 water ports,” said Lou Neudorff, practice director of CH2M Advanced Mobility Systems. “Finding an alternative mechanism to fund necessary transportation improvements to keep people and goods moving quickly, cost-effectively and reliably through this transportation system is vital to the quality of life and business growth for the country and this region.”
