WICHITA, Kan. — It may not seem like there are fewer drivers on Kansas highways – particularly at rush hour. But according to state officials, people across the state are driving less.
According to The Wichita Eagle, a study of traffic counts by the Kansas Department of Transportation shows that people are driving less than in the past. According to the Eagle, statewide the number of miles driven each day last year was 82,250,374 compared with 83,137,912 in 2006.
In 2010, the number of miles driven each day in Kansas was 81,916,438.
The drop in traffic has an effect on KDOT’s funding, as it means a drop in fuel sales and fuel tax revenues – which effects the amount of funding the agency receives to build and maintain the state’s roads.
“It’s an issue that all states are aware of as well as motor fuel taxes are going down,” said Sally Lunsford, director of public affairs for KDOT, told the Eagle. “And of course, they are the primary mechanism for funding our state highway system, so it’s a concern.”
The study will be part of a dialog about the long-term feasibility of using fuel sales tax to fund highway construction and maintenance. KDOT is expected to report and make recommendations to the governor by January of 2014.
Click here for more on this story from The Wichita Eagle.
