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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Portland dispensary fined $2,500 for handing out products in parking lot ... Surveillance video captures Medford surgery center thief ... Rogue River offers guided tour through Palmerton Park Arboretum ... Portland dispensary fined $2,500 for handing out products in parking lot ... Surveillance video captures Medford surgery center thief ... Rogue River offers guided tour through Palmerton Park Arboretum ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Phoenix diesel tax is needed for road maintenance Comment By Jeff Bellah MailTribune.com By Jeff Bellah Posted Sep. 4, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Jeff Bellah Posted Sep. 4, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News A story in Sunday’s paper explained that the city of Phoenix submitted a diesel tax referendum for vote by Sept. 15. The city is asking voters whether to allow for a 2 cents-per-gallon tax on diesel fuel sold in Phoenix. The article pointed out that if approved, these resources will be used to maintain and repair parts of the street system damaged by heavy trucks. I would like to use this opportunity to clarify and enhance the rationale for submitting this to voters. It was recommended after considerable study and discussion and was thought by to be the fairest way to ensure our ability to meet a specific need in the city. A study by the Government Accounting Office that was presented to the Department Of Transportation in 1979 calculated that a fully loaded 18-heel tractor-trailer (80,000 pounds) has the same wear and tear impact on roads as 9,600 automobiles. In the 30-plus years since that report, the fact that heavy trucks are responsible for considerable damage to roads has been substantiated in numerous studies. There have been other studies looking at specific formulas for estimating impact, weight per axle, number of axles, balancing of loads, etc. In the end, there is strong consensus that all types of loads on heavy trucks cause significant damage to roads while auto impact is comparatively negligible. Phoenix is fortunate to have a major truck stop and related businesses. While the city is appreciative, it does not alter the fact that heavy trucks inflict more wear and tear damage to streets and roads than lighter vehicles. The city must repair these streets and must be able to accumulate the resources to do so as necessary. When the new Phoenix Interchange is complete, the city will be responsible for additional nearby roads used by heavy trucks. Additionally, ODOT recently transferred a portion of Hwy 99 to the city, so we now have responsibility for future maintenance on another stretch of road affected by heavy truck traffic. The president of a trucking company was quoted in the article as saying they pay their fair share of diesel taxes to the state. Unfortunately, this does not help cities with significant truck traffic or trucking-related businesses, as state transportation funds are allocated to cities based on population rather than type of use. There are currently 14 cities with a gas and diesel tax as well as two counties. These range from 1 cent to 5 cents per gallon with 12 of the 16 having a 3 cents-per-gallon tax. Local jurisdictions with these taxes include Eugene, Springfield, Woodburn, Newport and Multnomah County, to name a few. Phoenix chose a modest 2-cent tax on diesel only, as we did not want to disadvantage local business or recommend a gas tax be imposed on everyone when heavy diesel trucks are the cause of damage in areas needing more frequent heavy maintenance. If the referendum is approved by voters, we estimate that a 2 cents-per-gallon diesel tax will result in at least $50,000 per year for restricted road maintenance projects while costing truckers and other diesel users an additional $2 per 100 gallons. When looking at average MPG for tractor-trailers, this amounts to less than 5 miles of driving (less if diesel prices increase). We hope and expect this will not be an undue hardship or competitive disadvantage as we compared diesel costs up and down Interstate 5. If we find later that it is, we can re-examine the cost/benefits of the tax in the future. Jeff Bellah is the mayor of Phoenix. By Jeff Bellah MailTribune.com By Jeff Bellah Posted Sep. 4, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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