Proposition B- A plan for highway funding

Proposition B, the plan to raise sales and fuel taxes to generate revenue for roads, is in a curious situation:

On the one hand, many Missourians agree that the state needs more funding to keep up with highways needs, some of which are urgent.

On the other hand, not so many Missourians agree that raising both the state sales tax and the state fuel tax at a time when the state and national economies are sagging is such a good idea.

By Aug. 6, voters will have to decide whether they think an infusion of highway funds now or waiting to find a better way to raise those funds is more important. Those who think more highway funding is urgently needed will vote yes on Proposition B. Those who think there's a better funding source than raising sales and fuel taxes will vote no.

The choice for most voters boils down to how they answer some basic questions about Missouri's highways.

How bad are they right now?

What repairs or new projects are really needed?

How long can the state put off some of these projects before costs and worn-out highways get out of hand?

If you believe Missouri's highways are showing their age but can be kept in good enough shape for a few more years with minor repairs, then you will vote against Proposition B.

If you believe putting off some high-cost projects won't have a negative impact on the state's highway system, you will vote against Proposition B.

If you think a few more years of getting by on current levels of funding for highways is adequate, you will vote against Proposition B.

But if you believe Missouri's highways are bad enough right now that travel and the transport of essential goods are being affected, you will vote for Proposition B.

If you believe further delays in addressing some of the most critical highway needs will only cost more in the long run, you will vote for Proposition B.

Another part of Proposition B's curious situation is the wave of neutrality that has washed over important groups and individuals.

The Missouri Farm Bureau says it will stay on the sidelines regarding Proposition B. This is the same organization that has recognized the need for good highways since the effort in the 1920s to get Missouri's rural areas out of the mud.

Dozens of state legislators say they too aren't going to campaign in favor or against Proposition B. Perhaps they believe neutrality will win votes from both sides when they stand for re-election this fall.

But Missouri's highways are too important to stand on the sidelines.

If the Farm Bureau thinks Proposition B is a bad plan, it should actively inform voters why it is bad and what a better plan would look like.

If legislators think Proposition B is a lightning rod for defeat, they should have shouldered the task of formulating a solid highway funding plan while they were in session earlier this year.

There's no question that this newspaper has found plenty of fault at the Missouri Department of Transportation in recent years. And we certainly don't like to see tax revenue go up year after year only to have the increases gobbled up by runaway state spending on sometimes questionable programs.

But good highways are vital to this state. And MoDOT has made a convincing case of both the need to keep what we have in good repair as well as adding major projects that will further enhance our state's highways. If there are better plans to meet these needs, we haven't thought of them, nor have we seen anyone else come up with a better idea.

On that basis, we encourage voters to support Proposition B, warts and all. Without new founding sources, MoDOT will continue to fall further behind.