Contra Costa roads will become unsafe state raids gas tax
California Political Desk
June 26, 2009
Contra Costa roads will deteriorate, become unsafe if state steals $50 million in local gas tax, public employees union warns; Campaign to inform public starts on Saturday.
KENSINGTON – A local public employees union is charging that the state´s proposal to steal gas tax money from cities and counties will devastate the roadways in Contra Costa County so much that they will become unsafe for drivers.
Public Employees Union Local 1 said it will go door-to-door and blanket grocery stores and other public places to help inform the public about the plan that could cost Contra Costa and cities about $50 million.
The union said its members will kick-off the public campaign SATURDAY, 10 a.m.
at the Kensington Library (61 Arlington Ave.)
"This ill-conceived plan to take local gas tax money will be devastating to the local agencies´ ability to provide safety and maintenance operations on our roads. Stripping local agencies of this revenue will hinder our ability to maintain and operate the local roadway network," said Rollie Katz, spokesperson for Public Employees Union Local 1.
He explained that the loss of the gas tax will eliminate preventative maintenance, including fixing potholes, and responding to roadside emergencies.
"Roads, drainage and bike lanes will deteriorate. And this will have a huge ripple effect on the economy because local projects will be canceled and contracts for local suppliers and consultants will be eliminated. Federal funds could also be lost," added Katz.
KENSINGTON – A local public employees union is charging that the state´s proposal to steal gas tax money from cities and counties will devastate the roadways in Contra Costa County so much that they will become unsafe for drivers.
Public Employees Union Local 1 said it will go door-to-door and blanket grocery stores and other public places to help inform the public about the plan that could cost Contra Costa and cities about $50 million.
The union said its members will kick-off the public campaign SATURDAY, 10 a.m.
at the Kensington Library (61 Arlington Ave.)
"This ill-conceived plan to take local gas tax money will be devastating to the local agencies´ ability to provide safety and maintenance operations on our roads. Stripping local agencies of this revenue will hinder our ability to maintain and operate the local roadway network," said Rollie Katz, spokesperson for Public Employees Union Local 1.
He explained that the loss of the gas tax will eliminate preventative maintenance, including fixing potholes, and responding to roadside emergencies.
"Roads, drainage and bike lanes will deteriorate. And this will have a huge ripple effect on the economy because local projects will be canceled and contracts for local suppliers and consultants will be eliminated. Federal funds could also be lost," added Katz.