Senate Bill 1513 (Session Law 2007-428) passed overwhelmingly last year in both the House and Senate.  The bill authorized counties, but did not mandate them, to pay for costs of road construction and maintenance.  This means that counties, particularly fast growing counties, can bypass the outdated equity formula funding and jump start road projects to address congestion problems or other local transportation needs. Great.  

But, as many counties don’t manage available funds well and tax money goes to fund such things as convention center money pits, non-profit organizations, corporate welfare and taj mahal school buildings, even after being relieved of their Medicaid burden, where will the money for roads come from?

The 21st Century Transportation Committee is charged with looking into such things.  They are meeting Thursday in Asheville at 9:00 to discuss local revenue options for transportation.  Agenda items include local option sales and use tax success in South Carolina, the land transfer tax, local vehicle registration fees, impact fees, property tax, rental car tax and special assessments.

Note there is no discussion of better management of state and county funds for high priority needs like roads, no discussion of using road money for roads rather than bike paths and airports.  Just where they can get more taxes.  

There really is no free ride.