TRANSPORTATION FUNDING – CHOOSE IT OR LOSE
The transportation industry, as well as the nation, is facing a funding crisis on State and Federal levels. As the
transportation system ages, roads and bridges are requiring repair. The ability to ensure safety for drivers and
passengers necessitates upgrades and enhancements, while the economy demands capacity improvements
and congestion relief. Support for the promotion of economic livelihood (spelled JOBS) warrants a solid plan of
infrastructure investment, not to mention a high quality of life depends upon a safe, efficient, and enjoyable ride.
Delta has urged everyone to contact their legislators regarding the necessity of transportation funding through
various means, including: personal visits, phone calls, emails, and letters. Citizens everywhere have responded very
well. Locally, Delta mailed approximately 1,300 post cards through the corporate office, not counting the post cards
mailed directly by individuals, to legislators in Jefferson City, Little Rock, Springfield, Austin, and Washington, D.C.
Missouri Funding
Missouri residents’ efforts to encourage legislators to place a funding initiative on the ballot have been successful! In
mid-May, the Missouri House accepted the Senate-revised sales tax initiative known as HJR 68. This bill places a
¾% sales tax transportation funding initiative to a vote of the people, and would generate an estimated $534 million
annually for investment in the State’s transportation system. Without it, MoDOT’s budget is expected to drop to $325
million, which is half of its budget today.
The issue was expected to appear on the November ballot, giving the industry five months to educate and convince
the voters of Missouri of the need for this measure. In an unanticipated move, Governor Jay Nixon placed this
initiative on the August 5th ballot, giving the industry only two months to communicate this important message. Once
again, Delta is asking all employees to promote this funding initiative, not only by voting “Yes” on August 5th, but
also by encouraging family members, friends, and neighbors to vote “Yes”. Spread the message anyway possible:
talk about it over the fence to neighbors, at the barbershop or hair salon, at the gym, at church, over breakfast, at
softball games, at the beach, and any other place appropriate. The goal is to produce a large turnout of voters voting
“Yes” on August 5th.
Federal Funding
On September 30th, the federal Moving Ahead for Progress in
the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) will expire. This is the current
federal funding for transportation infrastructure.
The expiration of MAP-21 is not the only issue to present itself
this year. Remember also the impending insolvency of the
Highway Trust Fund (HTF) by October of this year. (Some say the HTF could be out of money as early as August.)
Its primary source of revenue is the federal motor fuels excise tax. The rate of 18.3 cents per gallon was established
in 1993, when gas was $1.09 per gallon at the pump. Today, with gas at $3.39 per gallon, the rate is still 18.3 cents
per gallon. It is a flat tax, not linked to inflation. If nothing is done to replenish the funds into the HTF, then there will
be NO money for new federal-aid projects in 2015.
Federal funding is critical to maintaining the entire transportation system, which includes highways, roads, and
bridges for counties and states, in addition to the interstates. On average, federal funds provide 52% of annual
State DOT capital outlays for highway and bridge projects, according to a recent study by the American Road &
Transportation Builders Association.
In the weeks and months ahead, Delta will continue to provide residents with opportunities to contact U.S. Senators
and U.S. Representatives to tell them to support a robust comprehensive long-term transportation funding solution.
For more information about transportation funding at a state or federal level, how to contact legislators (including or
what to say), please Human Resources at 573.334.5261.
Thanks for your help. Together we will make a difference!
Heartland and Aggregates Receive Colas
Vanguard Safety Award
The Colas Vanguard safety awards were presented March 27th during
the Colas 2014 Regional Managers Meeting in Denver, CO.
The requirements for this award include:
• Zer o lost time accidents for 3 years; or
• Zero lost time accidents for 1 year plus
continuous improvement in the
total recordable injury rate (TRIR) for 5 years; and
• Zero fatal accidents for 5 years.
Two regions earned this prestigious award.
Congratulations to Heartland Asphalt Materials and the
Aggregates Region!
Delta Companies Inc. 2014 Newsletter | ISSUE 2
3