Our Opinion: Approve transportation tax

Our support for the transportation tax on Tuesday's ballot is not unqualified support.

The goal to improve transportation infrastructure in the state is laudable.

We do, however, have misgivings about the means to that end - a proposed three-quarter cent sales tax for 10 years.

We believe lawmakers defaulted to a sales tax for all Missourians without adequate consideration for user-oriented alternatives, including a fuel tax increase and possible toll roads.

Such a combination, admittedly, would have been more challenging, and lawmakers increasingly are deferring challenging decisions to voters.

What voters statewide will decide Tuesday is Amendment 7. The ballot title reads: "Should the Missouri Constitution be changed to enact a temporary sales tax of three-quarters of one percent to be used solely to fund state and local highways, roads, bridges and transportation projects for ten years, with priority given to repairing unsafe roads and bridges?"

Readers of this forum are aware of our reluctance to amend the constitution, but - in this case - the proposal is more than a change in tax policy; existing constitutional provisions are fairly specific about the collection and distribution of highway funds The proposal, which would raise an estimated $5.4 billion, also is accompanied by a specific list of promised projects, fashioned as a result of public forums held throughout the state. The tax would channel about $4.8 billion to statewide transportation projects, with equal shares of $270 million apportioned to cities and counties.

The project list offers something for everyone. Perhaps the most sought-after statewide improvement is rebuilding I-70 between St. Louis and Kansas City. In Mid-Missouri, 69 projects are on the list.

Also addressed is public transit, which helps satisfy one of our main criticisms. Because non-motorists will pay a sales tax, it is fitting that improvements include public transportation, including Jefferson City's system.

The transportation tax also is being touted as a mechanism for job creation and public safety enhancements. Those are companion benefits, and only two of many.

Transportation infrastructure facilitates movement and, by extension, progress and growth. All Missourians have an interest in mobility and prosperity.

Missouri's transportation system needs improvements. Approve Amendment 7 on Tuesday's ballot.