The Wisconsin
Motor Carriers Association (WMCA) has joined a broad group of transportation
stakeholders in an effort to ensure that the transportation user fees paid by
Wisconsin citizens and businesses are dedicated to maintaining and improving
the state’s transportation system.
In addition to the WMCA, the TRUST Coalition (Transportation Revenues
Used Strictly for Transportation) includes groups such as AAA Wisconsin, WI
Economic Development Assn., Transportation Development Association, WI
Laborer’s District Council, WI Manufacturers & Commerce, WI Transportation
Builders Assn., and WI Urban and Rural Transit Assn.
In the last budget
cycle, $675 million in Transportation Fund revenues were transferred to the
General Fund for non-transportation purposes to help the state address a record
$3.2 billion General Fund deficit. Currently, Wisconsin funds investments in
all transportation modes almost exclusively through highway user fee revenue
like vehicle registration fees and fuel taxes.
The WMCA supports the coalition because preserving the integrity of the Fund is critical to association members. Commercial motor vehicles utilize the Wisconsin highway system but pay very high user fees to maintain that system. The state’s fuel tax is the highest in the country and truck registration fees are in the top ten in most weight categories.
WMCA President, Tom Howells, indicated, “Historically, there has always been a link between what we pay and what we get. It is critical to maintain that link because it provides accountability.”