Louisiana Continues
to have a Funding Problem

Even with the recent successes in the 2008 legislative sessions, Louisiana’s funding of its transportation infrastructure does not work. The Louisiana Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), the primary mechanism for funding road and bridge needs for the state, historically received gas and diesel tax to fund the TTF.  With the passage of new laws during the 2008 legislative session, $40 million in truck registration fees and $259 million in vehicle sales tax to be phased-in over seven years have been shifted to the TTF and dedicated for highway use.

However, the TTF continues to be primarily funded by a 16-cent gas tax, which was approved in 1984.  Because this tax was not adjusted to current inflation, the buying power of the 16 cents is less than 8 cents today.

Furthermore, Louisiana has a $14 billion backlog in unmet construction needs, which includes preservation/maintenance, safety and congestion.

Louisiana also ranks below other states in fees and taxes:

• 44 states pay higher truck fees
• 44 states pay higher gas taxes
• 46 states have higher auto registration fees