The Georgia Transportation Alliance today released a survey of statewide voters on the topic of transportation funding. Results indicate that likely voters are willing to pay more at the pump to maintain and enhance critical transportation infrastructure.

“This survey tells us that Georgians clearly understand the strong connection between a viable transportation system and a robust economy,” said Michael Sullivan, Chair of the Georgia Transportation Alliance and President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia. “Voters are also unequivocal in their opinion about the need for additional funding – and they express that they are willing to pay more in gas taxes if those funds are dedicated to transportation.” 

Key findings of the survey included that:

• 57% would be willing to pay more in gas taxes for improvements to the current transportation system
  (Would you be willing to pay a little more in gas tax if you knew that it would go to improving our roads and transportation infrastructure needs?)
   
• 51% believe that the state is dedicating too little funding to roads and bridges
  (Would you say that 5% of the budget is too much for transportation infrastructure, too little for transportation infrastructure or would you say it was about right?)
   
• 53% support the creation of additional funding for transportation needs
  (Would you support or oppose the state legislature creating an additional one point five billion dollars in funding for transportation?)
   
• 98% of Georgia voters say the connection between transportation infrastructure and economic growth is important.(How important are Georgia’s roads, bridges, and public transportation to economic development and job growth?)

“We greatly appreciate Transportation Chairman Jay Roberts and his commitment to reforming transportation funding this year.  We respectfully encourage members of the General Assembly to listen to voter opinion as they continue to discuss this time-sensitive issue,” continued Sullivan.

Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research of Washington, DC, conducted the survey from February 8-10, 2015, with a sample size of 603 likely voters and a margin of error of +/- 4%.