Transportation Council
 

Position Statement for Transportation

It is the position of the broad-based membership of Southeast Kansas Inc. that this organization is in support of the Legislature’s continued full funding of the program of work set out by Transportation 2000, and subsequently adopted by the Legislature. In recognition of this area-wide support it is requested that all legislators from throughout the 13 counties represented by SEK cast votes in favor of continued necessary funding mechanisms.

While the benefits of an efficient and modern transportation systems are well noted in its impact on economic development, it is also well documented that government expenditures on transportation improvements add an immediate return to the economy.

A recent university study done in Missouri showed that “the pains of higher taxes are actually a benefit to the economy.” It continues saying that although taxes are generally considered a drain on the economy, when the money is spent on road construction, the secondary spending that it encourages is a revenue enhancer. An interesting point, particularly since Southeast Kansas has a large number of construction, aggregate and cement companies is that, “Because the spending occurs through the construction industry and its employees, communities with lots of construction firms are likely to see a greater benefit, even if the construction projects occur elsewhere.”

These results correspond with findings from both Kansas and national surveys. In 1999 the University of Kansas found that a conservative estimate was that for every tax dollar spent on transportation there was at least a return into the economy of three additional dollars. Furthermore, the previous highway program was credited with increasing nearly 118,000 private sector jobs statewide -- jobs that subsequently provided additional income taxes on their combined paychecks of $1.4 billion and additional sales taxes to local communities.

Legislators are often reluctant to support a program that requires the addition of tax dollars. However, when those tax dollars can be documented to provide an immediate boost to the local economy of 3:1, as well as improve the state’s transportation system and enhance economic development efforts, voting to approve funding for this specific program will help the state regain economic stability more quickly.

SEK, Inc. concludes that it is in the interests of the region and the state to assure that the Transportation 2000 Program is fully funded and completed by 2009 as planned. In so doing, the economic development and growth of the region will be strengthened and all citizens will benefit. Legislators are urged to support legislation that will assure the integrity of the Transportation 2000 Program and to oppose efforts to delay or diminish the program in any manner.