Quality transportation is critical to the future of Arizona’s economy and ensuring our ability to move people, goods, and services throughout the state. We have fought for years to protect the HURF and ensure that our roads are adequately funded. The problem is gas tax revenues has plummeted by almost 70% over the past 30 years as cars have become much more efficient. Combined with hybrid and electric vehicles that are not paying their share for the roads they use, the State of Arizona is falling behind on its transportation obligations.
Thankfully, Representative Noel Campbell sees the problem and is trying to do something about it. In Today’s Arizona Republic he explains, “The world has changed, and we are falling behind in our transportation obligations by nearly $1 billion per year. Infrastructure is a critical component for our quality of life, and we must ensure that we are paying for the road ahead. While we are securing our water future, the same must be done for our transportation future.” (Click here to read the editorial)
Representative Campbell is standing up for what he believes in and is fighting the good fight to support our crumbling state roads and highways. He is not alone – he is joined by a broad coalition of businesses and individuals who are supporting his efforts to invest in our transportation future. Here is a sample of what other people are saying:
“A lot has changed in the past 30 years, cars and trucks have become more efficient, electric and hybrid vehicles have grown significantly, and our population has nearly doubled in that time. The result is transportation revenue to the state has dropped by 70% leaving nearly half of our roads unfunded. We would like to thank Representative Campbell for proposing HB 2536 and look forward to working with him to help solve the problem.”
-Tom McGovern, Principal Emeritus, Psomas, Co-chair, Southern Arizona Leadership Council Infrastructure Focus Area
“The West Valley is home to more than 1.6 million residents, a thriving business community, abundant education options, and world-class sports and entertainment amenities. We are leading the way in creating new jobs, increasing investment, and attracting high wage employers. Our residents enjoy a high quality of life and boundless opportunity because we have a transportation system that has kept up with growth. We need to continue investing in our infrastructure to keep it that way. WESTMARC appreciates Rep. Campbell’s efforts to draw attention to a critically important issue.”
-Sintra Hoffman, President and CEO, Westmarc
“Investment in roads is an investment in infrastructure. HB2536’s aggressive plan to raise the billions of dollars we need for infrastructure improvements in Arizona is what we need. Southern Arizona applauds Rep. Campbells leadership on this issue.”
-Amber Smith, President & CEO, Tucson Metro Chamber