FHWA warns about the need for new revenue source

A spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has warned about the need for a new revenue source to maintain U.S. roadways.

Doug Hecox said that Americans have driven 62 billion miles less than they did over the same period a year earlier. He said the problem is that the current financing system relies so heavily on conventional motor fuel sales that as Americans drive less and purchase less fuel, there is less revenue going into the highway trust fund to maintain the roads.

"As Americans are driving less, they're actually giving less money to the states with which to keep highways safe," Hecox said. "As Americans are finding new ways to avoid going to the gas stations, I mean finding increasing or radically increased fuel efficiency through hybrid cars or the electric cars we hear are just about ready to come out of Detroit, that condition is only going to worsen."

Hecox said lawmakers will have to work hard to reform highway finance and figure out a new revenue source for the trust fund, otherwise state DOTs will struggle to keep up with demand.