News

Roadways are creating a bigger challenge

Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly says Congress and the state legislature must take action to fix Indiana’s crumbling road system that is a growing problem for the state’s ag industry.  “It’s an absolute critical priority to have a highway bill put in place for 6 years,” he says.  “Can we do that – yes.  Should we do that – absolutely.  But we also have huge challenges in our state.  We have a $2.1 billion surplus and we have roads crumbling in all of our rural counties.  That just doesn’t add up.”

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann said at recent state ag industry meeting that the legislature has recognized there is a problem and is working towards a solution.

One option being explored is a vehicle miles traveled tax (VMT) that is a mileage-based fee charging motorist based on how many miles have been traveled.  “I’m a big proponent of getting to VMT,” she says.  “We don’t have a great solution yet.  There are a number of states toying with that idea – we’re trying to get there.”

So far, only two states have implemented a VMT – a volunteer program in Oregon and a truck program in Illinois.

Recently a portion of Interstate 65 from Chicago to Indianapolis was shut down indefinitely creating lengthy detours that further delay the transportation of agricultural goods.  And because the rural roads weren’t built to handle the increased traffic, those roads are also deteriorating.