Helling letter: Bridges and Roads

Idaho Legislators need to remember the roads and bridges of Idaho. They are the backbone of the state’s economy and need your attention. Some identify highways as the thread that knits our state and nation together. They provide access to work, education, healthcare, recreation and other activities that constitute our way of life. Our infrastructure can be the pride of Idaho if kept up. And when designed well and maintained, they can bring great efficiencies to businesses when linked to other transportation modes.

The grim part of this story is more maintenance dollars are essential. When little or no maintenance goes back into highways, choices over time become more costly. Cracked asphalt that has allowed moisture to seep into the base, can’t simply be milled down two inches and resurfaced. But, large quantities of contaminated material need removal and new added quadrupling costs in material and labor. So it is essential we keep pace with the needs of our highways.

Pay for these cost now by adding 5 cents to all beer and pop sales or 7 additional cents on every gallon of gas, or add to the vehicle registration a standard maintenance charge for the privilege of road use.

This story was originally published March 15, 2016 at 11:47 PM with the headline "Helling letter: Bridges and Roads."