Community Corner

How Should the State Pay for Transportation Fixes?

The state's transportation infrastructure needs $13 billion over the next 10 years. How would you raise the case needed to repair and expand highways, bridges and public transit?

Governor Deval Patrick and the Department of Transportation unveiled their new plan for the state's transportation infrastructure on Monday. The plan, which calls for reinvestment, repair and expansion of the commonwealth's highways, bridges and public transportation, comes with a hefty $13 billion price tag

Raising the amount of money needed would require a significant revenue increase. Income, payroll and gas taxes, increased tolls and registration fees, green vehicle surcharges and other proposals are all on the table. Patrick is expected to detail his revenue proposal during Wednesday night's state of the state address.

Now it's your turn: How would you fund the state's transportation plan? Or is the plan too ambitious (read: expensive)? Can Massachusetts repair what it has and expand for the future, or should it tighten its belt and live with the T and roads we have? Tell us in the comments below.

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