Is it possible for the constitutionally dedicated revenues to be appropriated for a purpose other than the Transportation Trust Fund Authority?
A. Yes, the State Constitution only directs dedicated revenues for the purpose of “paying or financing the cost of planning, acquisition, engineering, construction, reconstruction, repair, resurfacing, and rehabilitation of the transportation system in the State.” There is no reference to the dedicated revenues flowing directly to the Authority. Of the estimated $551 million currently collected from 10.5 cents on motor fuel consumption (excluding 3 cent diesel differential), $483 million is specifically directed to the Transportation Trust Fund Authority. The remaining $68 million is appropriated to NJ TRANSIT for “rehabilitation and repair” costs included within its state-funded operating budget subsidy.
Related Questions
- The states Transportation Trust Fund faces a $2.7 billion gap between revenues and spending needed to complete needed projects by 2012. How should the state address this problem?
- Is it possible for the constitutionally dedicated revenues to be appropriated for a purpose other than the Transportation Trust Fund Authority?
- Do the constitutionally dedicated revenues flow directly for transportation capital purposes or do they still need to be appropriated?
