Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007 | 7:21 a.m.
Ann McFeatters' Aug. 6 column in the Las Vegas Sun outlines what needs to be done to fix our infrastructure. Let's add two other national problems: dependence on foreign oil and global warming. Now here is how we can help solve all three.
Increase taxes on gasoline to fix the roads (let's call these user fees - which is what they are - to make them more palatable). Increase user fees on utilities to fix them. Increase user fees on other-than-roads transportation to fix things like railroads, seaports, airports, etc.
Many cities and states put up toll roads and users have to pay. But, if we raise gasoline user fees, all roads and bridges should be free. That is the main course - now for the dessert!
With higher gasoline user fees, many may cut back on discretionary driving and/or move to mass transit. This would reduce our dependence on foreign oil as well as cut back on global warming.
Notice that I did not say who should raise gasoline user fees - this will take political nerves of steel. But if we lose a few more bridges such as the one in Minnesota, drivers may be begging for new gasoline user fees.
Clearly, states and the federal government need to work together to get their share of the revenue. For example, states in the East will likely need to raise more revenue for water, sewer and road repairs because of their aging than those in the West. Come on, leaders, solving the infrastructure funding problem is easy - let's get it on.
Gary Musser, Las Vegas
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