Survey indicates Idahoans recognize, support
need for additional transportation funds
Idahoans recognize the value of roads and bridges to the economy and their safety, and support raising fees to improve them, a survey shows.
Idaho Highway Users, Inc. surveyed 600 Idahoans in September. Idaho Highway Users is a statewide group that was formed in the 1930s to promote good highways and bridges. The group conducted a similar survey in 1999.
The new, 2008 survey shows:
-
95 percent of Idahoans believe roads and bridges are either “vital” or “important” to the economy;
-
93 percent believe roads and bridges are vital or important to Idaho’s lifestyle;
-
70 percent of Idahoans said adequately funding transportation is one of the state's top priorities;
-
23 percent said adequately funding transportation is the state's number one priority; and
-
62 percent would support raising fees to fund transportation if they were confident the money would be used efficiently.
"The survey confirms what we were hearing from the public at the seven transportation funding conferences held across the state this summer," said Scott Ellsworth, chairman of Idaho Highway Users. "Drivers are concerned about Idaho's crumbling roads and deteriorating bridges and believe now is the time to begin fixing them."
Idahoans gave the roads and bridges in the state mediocre grades. Each element of Idaho’s transportation infrastructure was given a C+ grade.
“Idahoans recognize the need to invest in transportation and the state's future," Ellsworth said. "Even in these tough times, Idahoans are willing to step up and do the right thing."
The survey has an assumed four percentage point margin of error.