STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2016) – The Funding Indiana’s Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow (FIRSST) Task Force met for the final time today and offered its recommendations to the General Assembly, according to State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso).
The FIRSST task force was created as part of a comprehensive two-year road-funding plan passed in House Enrolled Act 1001 in 2016, and was charged with identifying new revenue sources to increase long-term funding for Indiana’s transportation infrastructure.
“FIRSST worked to identify sustainable, data-driven and responsible road funding solutions in order to maintain what we have and build for the future,” Soliday said. “We can all agree there is a need for additional sources of revenue to help maintain Indiana’s reputation as the Crossroads of America. I am committed to working with fellow legislators in crafting a fiscally responsible and comprehensive funding to ensure Hoosiers and businesses are connected for years to come.”
The FIRSST Task Force heard testimony from national, state and local experts in transportation funding. Experts provided information to the Task Force for its review and consideration. The Task Force also heard testimony from members of the public.
The Task Force found a wide range of new revenue options for the state, such as indexing the gas tax, tolling and vehicle fees. These options will be carefully debated and scrutinized by lawmakers, stakeholders and citizens when the legislative session begins in January.
Learn more about the FIRRST task force recommendations here.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4, which includes portions of Porter County.
A high-resolution photo of Soliday can be downloaded by clicking here.
