Low gas prices have been a nice bonus for individuals still commuting to and from work every day, but that has had a negative side effect for area governments. Combine that with overall declining travel and its really a problem.
Elkhart County, for example, has been hit especially hard and was forced to halt several road paving programs as they anticipate a revenue shortfall. Gas taxes account for a significant percentage of the funding that makes its way back into programs to improve roadways.
Initially there were 32 planned projects for county roads in Elkhart County, its unknown how many of those will actually happen now. County Transportation Manager Charlie MacKenzie tells The Goshen News that projections suggest there will be a 40% decrease in gas tax funds starting this month.
