Transportation funding is a real issue in California and along the Central Coast where major projects can no longer move forward because there’s just not enough money.
The state raises money for road repairs and transportation projects with a per-gallon tax for both gasoline and diesel. In recent years, that has started drying up as more people move toward sustainable forms of transit.
Fully electric and hybrid vehicles—as well as just increased fuel economy for internal combustion engines—means fewer gallons of gas purchased. But, road wear and tear remains the same or is growing.
So, how are our local counties dealing with the funding crisis? To help answer that question, we were joined in studio by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) Executive Director Ron De Carli and Senior Planner James Worthley.