The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) was allocated a historic $2 billion in 2023. But with the money being a one-time allocation, officials are calling for a recurring source of revenue to maintain roadways and bridges.
Northern District Transportation Commissioner John Caldwell became the latest leader at MDOT to plea for annual funding after a bill that would have done just that died earlier this year. During an interview on MidDays with Gerard Gibert, Caldwell echoed Central District Commissioner Willie Simmons’ sentiments that the department would need a minimum of $400 million annually to sustain transportation infrastructure while asking for a predictable form of funding from lawmakers.
“The reliable funding also has to be an increasing amount of funding. We’ve had some reliable funding in the fuel tax – we can count on it,” Caldwell said. “But it’s been decreasing, not increasing. So, we need something that can keep up with inflation and prepare us for a world that may not have as many cars that are using the kind of fuel that we’re using today.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the number of electric cars on the road has more than tripled since 2021. The vehicles that do still use gasoline have become more fuel efficient. Those combined factors mean that MDOT’s tax revenue sources are taking serious hits – and so is the agency’s ability to keep Mississippi’s roadways up to par.
“There’s a lot of different mechanisms out there being discussed,” Caldwell said, adding that an internet sale tax could be levied on companies like Amazon who avoid paying a fuel tax by using electric delivery vehicles. “We want to make sure we’re supportive of the legislature as they’re trying to find solutions to our problems. I think we’re moving in that direction.”
Other undesignated funding could also be funneled to MDOT at the state legislature’s command. And a significant boost in economic development money into the state will also give the department cash that can be applied quickly.
“Because of our nature of being underfunded, when those projects are being planned out, it’s hard to find that money to where we can actually put it on the calendar,” Caldwell said. “People say, ‘Why is it taking so long?’ Usually, it’s for money isn’t getting there fast enough. Economic development dollars are fast. We’re not shutting the door on anything., But we do know that we have a need and we’re trying to find the solution.”
Caldwell did highlight progress on some major roadway projects, including the Highway 15 project on the Ripley bypass, along with work on Highway 7 and I-55 that have been delayed but are close to being open for bid.
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