Grants will test alternative methods of funding road projects

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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently awarded $10.2 million in Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) grants.

Funds will be used to test user-based alternatives to finance highway and bridge projects.

The Highway Trust Fund currently is funded primarily by the federal gas tax. The seven states that received grants will be testing and evaluating mileage-based and road-user charges that would support the fund.

“These grants provide states with the opportunity to explore innovative new ways to help pay for infrastructure improvements and maintenance,” Brandye L. Hendrickson, FHWA deputy federal highway administrator, said.

Grants range from $250,000 to $3 million. They were awarded to California, Delaware, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Utah.

Projects include the Utah Department of Transportation will test its road user charge program for alternative fuel vehicles including hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will test the feasibility of distance-based user fees through a shared mobility model. This includes Mobility-as-a-Service providers.

The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Western Road User Charge Consortium will test automated vehicles and a road-usage charge at the state level and in a regional interoperable system.

The California Department of Transportation will test emerging technologies and services through the Road Usage Charge Program.