State Transportation Funding
Transportation funding available to the state and its agencies include:
- Multi-year federal "transportation bill" (most recently SAFETEA-LU until September 2009, extended until December 2009; revenue comes from federal gas tax and general funds)
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (one-time federal funding)(84 Projects)
- Massachusetts gas tax revenues
- Dedicated MBTA revenues (sales tax, municipalities, fares, parking)
- Regional Transit Authority fares and assessments from municipalities
- Turnpike, tunnel, and bridge tolls
- Parking and airport-related fees for Massport
- RMV registration fees
- General funding from Commonwealth of Massachusetts taxes
- Accelerated Bridge Program ($3 billion 2009–2016)
The statewide budget included $919 million for transportation in FY2009, not including $797M in sales tax revenue dedicated to the MBTA.
Local cities and towns also receive vehicle excise tax revenues, and levy property taxes. Both state and municipal agencies can levy fines for parking and traffic violations.
Article 78 (LXXVIII) of the Massachusetts Constitution says all motor vehicle fees and taxes (except registration excise tax in lieu of property tax), including fuel taxes, must be spent on transportation, including roads, mass transit, traffic law enforcement, and administration. Transportation is thus a net recipient of general state funds.
Read more about this topic: Massachusetts Department Of Transportation
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