Gov. Kay Ivey announced her new Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan on Wednesday in Maplesville, Alabama.
The plan aims to raise the state’s motor fuels tax to invest in infrastructure in order to further economic development and ensure the safety of Alabamians.
The Business Council of Alabama commended Ivey for the plan, saying the state’s transportation system is the backbone of the state’s economy and is crucial.
“Alabama’s drivers are more likely to be killed in a traffic accident in Alabama than 44 other states. Last year, 282 people lost their lives in Alabama because of our road conditions,” said Katie Boyd Britt, the president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. “Alabama’s current infrastructure challenges create a serious safety concern for all those who travel our roadways while also hindering job creation and eroding our businesses’ bottom lines. An investment in our roads and bridges is an investment in the safety and quality of life of all Alabamians.”
Britt also encouraged the Legislature to pass the governor’s plan.
According to a report by the BCA, the number of registered vehicles and miles traveled by those vehicles are increasing more rapidly than the current transportation system can keep up with.
According to TRIP, a national transportation nonprofit research group, nearly one-third of Alabama’s roads were rated poor or mediocre.
While announcing her plan, Ivey said she is proposing a 10 cent increase in Alabama’s fuel tax with an index designed to keep the state aligned with rising costs of building roads.
“This reasonable increase will also be necessary to keep us competitive with our sister states in the Southeast, who have all recently made changes to their infrastructure investments,” Ivey said.
House Budget Chair Rep. Bill Poole will carry the governor’s infrastructure bill in the House, and Sen. Clyde Chambliss will carry it in the Senate.
