Reader’s Digest has me when it comes to mobility.
My stepfather has been burying his nose in the feel-good publication for years, so much so he could probably identify it blindfolded in a magazine lineup. A sniff or two is all it would take. I am also convinced the man has the Reader’s Digest logo branded on the inside of every single one of his back pockets. Everywhere he goes his RD is sure to follow.
Recently, as a way of indirectly massaging him through his retirement years, I signed up this Reader’s Digest disciple to receive a monthly subscription to Roads & Bridges. I thought the stories would provide another slant to his golden-years lifestyle, and maybe, just maybe, the R&B could pass for the RD. However, the back-pocket time still belongs to the Digest. It’s just engineered that way. Fortunately, I believe it is the only advantage it has on me even though it just released its best, worst and most dangerous roads of 2010.
Now, the way Reader’s Digest arranged this centerpiece seems legitimate enough. The publication worked off Federal Highway Administration numbers and considered factors like bridge condition and safety. Still, I see RD more prone to producing a lighthearted yet life-changing piece on a trucker, with a King of the Road headline, rather than a crowning of the best pavement in the nation.
This is not an attempt to overthrow the royalty bestowed on those that finished high on the list. Data is data, and I would gladly bow before the best department of transportation. But these lists are about as widespread as the interstate highway system. It’s easy to look at hard digits and sort them accordingly. However, I believe actions are more powerful than numbers, so I thought I would point to a few states that might not have been among the elite in the Reader’s Digest list, or others for that matter, but are putting in the legwork to get a leg up. I believe the following have put themselves in the best position over the next decade.
Oregon (No. 10 according to RD)
The state legislature increased the state gas tax for the first time since 1993 by 6 cents a gallon, and also raised the state’s weight mile tax on truckers. When the new charges are in full bloom, Oregon will be receiving an extra $300 million a year in funding for transportation. The ranking in RD is respectable, but in terms of the future they are a clear No. 1.
Virginia (RD No. 9)
Again, another low-first-tier performer according to RD, but I would drop the state right behind Oregon due to its chase of private investment over the last two or three years. The economy has shortened the public-private playing field, but Virginia’s approach has been promising.
Texas (RD No. 29)
Again, another Virginia when it comes to public-private matters. Sure, the Trans-Texas Corridor was broken into bits, but the state is moving forward with a downsized version. It also has taken a hard look at a per-mileage user fee as well as other alternative financing methods.
California (RD No. 48)
Yes, the state is going to be gurgling debt for some time (I consider Cali my wild card), but when a transpo agency wants something, it brings it to a vote with the people of the state. If anyone could feel more sunshine in a hurry it’s California, as long as the taxed are willing.
I doubt this page will make it into my stepfather’s wallet so he could show all of his friends, but it does say one thing about some of the Reader’s Digest DOT also-rans: When the time is right they are ready to mobilize.
