Huntsville/Madison Development News (Birmingham: vegan, church, streets)

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by Colin24816

I agree with the traffic issues. I believe that the fuel tax needs to be raised now. How much should it be raised? More than a nickel per gallon in my opinion.

No problem with increasing the gas tax (5 cents would only be about 2% at current prices), but AlDoT needs to use it where it's most needed. Anybody know if a fuel tax increase would have to be voted on?

[Maya Blue]

I agree, at least 5 cents.

[bmrisko]

I'd pay even more than that per gallon extra if I knew it was directly funding WIDENING improvements to 565 and 72.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by bmrisko

I'd pay even more than that per gallon extra if I knew it was directly funding WIDENING improvements to 565 and 72.

Well the city was proactive in this several years ago. If they hadn't been we would still be waiting. Yes a gas tax statewide that would fund projects in the areas it is collected seems like a good idea.
https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/restore...ture-planning/

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by bmrisko

I'd pay even more than that per gallon extra if I knew it was directly funding WIDENING improvements to 565 and 72.

It's total pie in the sky, but Hwy 72 really should be I-765.

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by RocketDawg

It's total pie in the sky, but Hwy 72 really should be I-765.

Without a doubt, or maybe even a northern bypass. My family lives in Wilmington, NC and they are in the process of building a bypass that basically parallels one of the busiest commercial roads for commuters to take who don't want to deal with tons of stop lights and business traffic on the way out of town to some of the bedroom communities.

[Hoping4Huntsville]

I worked for NCDOT for six years and lived in NC for fifteen and we paid substantially higher gas taxes than this state. The good thing was that it showed in our roadways. We built most roads that were needed and did fairly well maintaining them. The process was not perfect but it was much better than here. Current gas taxes in NC are about 15 cents higher per gallon than AL and I'm sure AL will be many years in reaching that mark. People here in Dothan just about break out the torches and pitchforks when any political figure mentions raising taxes of any sort and definitely gas taxes. It's sad because it's just one more reason we are lagging behind. Hasn't it been like two decades plus since there was an increase? That's insane!

[Colin24816]

The amount I mentioned was tossing the ball out. I wouldn't have any problem paying a higher gas tax, such as 10 cents per gallon. I also think that the tax should be higher just for the sake of getting the ball rolling on road work.

[denofhc]

We’ve got to get a gas tax! What is it going to take?

[Rick In Madison]

Different subject: any ideas of prospects of the B2 lot on the NE corner of Balch & Gilespie? I noticed survey stacks and select white proposed excavation flags posted at various places on the lot.

Is there still plans for a round-about at the intersection?