According to recent government data, the federal government takes in a little over $93 million per day on fuel taxes, 365 and one-fourth days per year.
When these fuel taxes were enacted, they were designated for highway maintenance and construction exclusively.
We now know that much of this money is diverted to pet projects of members of Congress of both parties. Then, the state and counties add their own fuel taxes, plus license plate fees and other fees which are also designated for maintenance and construction.
But like the federal government, these funds often get diverted elsewhere by state and local governments.
I would be all for an increase in this local tax if our county officials can give us an accounting of all these funds and show that they go to roads exclusively as opposed to the general fund.
If these funds are diverted, then that should be corrected, and if the county needs more money then they should, tell us the purpose of new funds and we, the voters, can decide of the worthiness of their request.
One thing we do not need is scare tactics submitted to this paper by these officials.
Robert Goodrich
Bayfield
