As Missouri officials consider how to fund new highway projects, a new study from the Show-Me Institute considers two approaches not seen so far in the state: toll roads and private ownership of new highways. The study, “Private Provision of Highways: Economic Issues,” reviews the methods and opportunities for privately financed and operated roads. While the scope of the economic argument and discussion is national, the study has major implications for Missouri, which will see a significant decline in highway funding in the near future.
The study was authored by Dr. Kenneth Small of the Department of Economics at the University of California–Irvine. In the study, Dr. Small considers the opportunities and problems with variable rates for tolls on a single stretch of highway, tolled express lanes, and public-private highway partnerships. He compares the recent leases of highways in Chicago, Indiana, and France.
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1 Clay // Nov 25, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Having just moved from Chicago to Missouri, the last thing I want to see in Missouri are toll booths. It amazes me. Many Illinois politicians are liberal and green, and yet they care more about a 50 cent toll over keeping traffic moving. I don’t fall for the green argument, but it shows the element of BS in their policies. The traffic jams caused by the tollways in Illinois produce more car emissions. For myself, I hated the inconvenience of trying to get home and being stopped for 15 minutes to 20 minutes at a time while the government took more money from people. Like any government tax, Illinois voters were fooled to believe the tolls were temporary and once the bonds were paid for, they would go away. Years later, they are still there and expanding (i-Pass lanes). I read recently where toll transponders (i-Pass) are being used to monitor speed from toll booth to toll booth. If you get there too quickly, you are being ticketed. I just got so sick of the government involvement in my life when I lived in Chicago. I hope Missourians are smart enough to reject tollways. We already pay too much in taxes for the priviledge to drive-gas tax, driver’s license, car tags, sales tax, titles, personal property taxes, etc. The state needs to cut waste and use the funds they get from these taxes.
2 Jackson // Nov 25, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I oppose tax increases. I do not oppose user fees for something you truly use. As long as there are alternatives to the toll roads, I say bring them on.
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