Missoula County supports HB 473 with proposed amendments – Revise highway revenue laws, before House Transportation this afternoon. Increased revenue for infrastructure in Missoula County would be welcome as the demand for maintenance and replacement far exceeds available funds. In fact, federal revenue for infrastructure projects continues to decrease. HB 473 seeks to begin to resolve significant issues in funding improvements to deteriorating infrastructure. Please support HB 473 and proposed amendments.
Respectfully,
Vickie Zeier on behalf of the Missoula County Commission
Vickie M. Zeier
Missoula County Chief Administrative Officer 199 W. Pine (location) 200 W. Broadway (mail) Missoula, MT 59802
In advance of expected executive action on HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, in House Transportation, Missoula County would like to express our strong support for this legislation. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall and would allow Public Works to maintain an additional five miles of road.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Please support HB 473.
Respectfully, Vickie Zeier on behalf of the Missoula County Commission
Vickie Zeier Missoula County Chief Administrative Officer vzeier@missoulacounty.us
Missoula County strongly supports HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, being heard on the House floor this afternoon. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. This includes significant resurfacing projects, not just filling potholes as a temporary solution that degrades the roadway. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Smaller rural counties are experiencing a significant reduction in their SRS funding, which is imperative to their operations. Missoula County welcomes the support that our neighboring counties would receive from HB 473. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall across Montana.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Representatives, Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, on the House floor for third reading this afternoon. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 just replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed 0.8 cent increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Missoula County strongly supports HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, being heard in Senate Finance and Claims tomorrow morning. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. This includes significant resurfacing projects, not just filling potholes as a temporary solution that degrades the roadway. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Smaller rural counties are experiencing a significant reduction in their SRS funding, which is imperative to their operations. Missoula County welcomes the support that our neighboring counties would receive from HB 473. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall across Montana.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 without the two latest amendments - Revise highway revenue laws, on the Senate floor reading this morning. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 no longer even replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 without the proposed amendments - Revise highway revenue laws, on the House floor this morning. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 no longer even replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Sending the following at 2 p.m. today:
ReplyDeleteRepresentative Loge,
Missoula County supports HB 473 with proposed amendments – Revise highway revenue laws, before House Transportation this afternoon. Increased revenue for infrastructure in Missoula County would be welcome as the demand for maintenance and replacement far exceeds available funds. In fact, federal revenue for infrastructure projects continues to decrease. HB 473 seeks to begin to resolve significant issues in funding improvements to deteriorating infrastructure. Please support HB 473 and proposed amendments.
Respectfully,
Vickie Zeier on behalf of the Missoula County Commission
Vickie M. Zeier
Missoula County Chief Administrative Officer
199 W. Pine (location)
200 W. Broadway (mail)
Missoula, MT 59802
Sent the following:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
In advance of expected executive action on HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, in House Transportation, Missoula County would like to express our strong support for this legislation. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall and would allow Public Works to maintain an additional five miles of road.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Please support HB 473.
Respectfully,
Vickie Zeier on behalf of the Missoula County Commission
Vickie Zeier
Missoula County Chief Administrative Officer
vzeier@missoulacounty.us
(406) 258-4229
To be sent to day at noon:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
Missoula County strongly supports HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, being heard on the House floor this afternoon. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. This includes significant resurfacing projects, not just filling potholes as a temporary solution that degrades the roadway. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Smaller rural counties are experiencing a significant reduction in their SRS funding, which is imperative to their operations. Missoula County welcomes the support that our neighboring counties would receive from HB 473. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall across Montana.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Please support HB 473.
Sending the following at noon today:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, on the House floor for third reading this afternoon. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 just replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed 0.8 cent increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Sent end of day yesterday:
ReplyDeleteSenator Wolken,
Missoula County strongly supports HB 473 - Revise highway revenue laws, being heard in Senate Finance and Claims tomorrow morning. With federal cuts, the anticipated $500,000 revenue Missoula County would receive from the gas tax increase outlined in HB 473 would allow our Public Works department to continue providing critical services constituents demand. We have to defer maintenance because we cannot keep up with our stockpiling inventory. In order to fund basic services, Missoula County is being forced to shift the burden to our constituents by raising taxes to meet these demands. HB 473 will provide much-needed relief to our taxpayers.
HB 473 will allow Missoula County the opportunity to maintain our 565 miles of roads and bridges. This includes significant resurfacing projects, not just filling potholes as a temporary solution that degrades the roadway. In FY 2016, Congress did not reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which resulted in a loss of more than $500,000 from the County’s road fund. In order to compensate for this funding loss, the Commission raised 2.5 mills and is considering raising 2.5 additional mills in FY 18. Smaller rural counties are experiencing a significant reduction in their SRS funding, which is imperative to their operations. Missoula County welcomes the support that our neighboring counties would receive from HB 473. Funds from HB 473 would begin to address the SRS shortfall across Montana.
This is an equitable way to capture revenues across the state, coming from all Montanans and tourists. HB 473 funds would also leverage federal funding for state projects within Missoula County, which is another significant benefit to our residents and our tourism economy.
We strongly encourage you to voice your support for HB 473 and to vote in favor of this legislation. HB 473 is a needed vehicle to meet the high demand of road and bridge maintenance. Is it our responsibility to deliver these services to our constituents.
Please support HB 473.
Sent this morning(4/13) at 8:20am:
ReplyDeleteSenators,
Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 without the two latest amendments - Revise highway revenue laws, on the Senate floor reading this morning. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 no longer even replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Please support HB 473 without amendments.
Sent this morning(4/21) at 9:00am:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
Missoula County continues to strongly support HB 473 without the proposed amendments - Revise highway revenue laws, on the House floor this morning. The local option gas tax available to individual counties through locally administered elections (at a cost to tax payers) would not cover the major loss in revenue counties across the state are seeing with the loss of federal SRS funding. It wouldn't even put a dent in that funding loss. Simply put, Missoula County doesn't have the budget to maintain, let alone improve, roads with its current budget. Losing the SRS funding makes the situation even more dire. HB 473 no longer even replaces that funding, meaning deferred maintenance of county roads is a reality even with the passage of HB 473. The proposed increase at least shifts some of the responsibility from property tax payers to tourists who use the state's infrastructure.
Please support HB 473 without amendments.