A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts shows Connecticut is relying more on government funding for transportation and less on state money when compared with other states. Connecticut's transportation costs are funded 70% by the state, 30% from the federal government. This is below the national average of 76% state funding.
The study cites problems with government funding, mostly linked to the Highway Trust Fund, which is coming closer toward bankruptcy. The gas tax, once able to cover most of the federal funding, has not generated enough revenue to keep up with rising construction costs. This, coupled with a growing need for infrastructure repairs, is creating concern.
Connecticut relies more on federal funding than most surrounding states, including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine and Pennsylvania.
The study suggests the best solutions are to either cut services or have local governments impose more taxes or fees. This, however, could be particularly problematic in Connecticut, which already has one of the nation's highest gas taxes.