'Holy diversions!' the road answer
"Holy ****, what was that?"
How many times has a phrase like that slipped out of a driver's lips as he or she avoided two potholes only to hit three more on Illinois roads lately?
People ask if it is the weather, lousy construction or apathy.
One of the largest reasons can be summed up in one word -- diversions.
As a driver fills his gas tank and watches the dollars spins by, they should realize 19 cents of each gallon purchased is collected as a state motor fuel tax to be deposited in the state road fund.
This money is supposed to be used on our state's transportation system, but unfortunately, our elected officials feel they can use this money to balance the state budget.
In 2007, diversions totaled nearly $700 million, more that 35 percent of IDOT's current road program.
That represents a bunch of pothole repairs! As the average commuter is avoiding potholes, sitting in traffic instead of spending time with their children or replacing that blown tire, those motor fuel taxes are not being used for what they were created for -- fix our roads.
Because Illinois has not found funding sources for a capital program under the current administration, the only source of revenue to prevent our road system from totaling deteriorating and our bridges from falling down is the motor fuel tax.
With our lawmakers constantly stealing from this fund to balance the state's budget, repairing our infrastructure continues to fall behind and will never expand to relieve congestion.
When will Mr. and Mrs. Commuter say "Enough!" as they watch the nickels and dimes whiz by at the pump? And then add, "I want that change to go to my roads to ensure a safer trip home!"
Call your lawmakers now to stop the motor fuel tax diversion. And the next time you hit a pot hole or sit in stopped traffic, it would be more appropriate to scream "Holy Diversions!"
John P. Bryan
Past president, Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association
Aurora