SHOULD THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY TRUST FUND BE REAUTHORIZED

It may be concluded that the federal HTF eases the revenue collection process and the ability of the federal government to allocate the funds so raised in accordance with its own priorities, with minimal regard to the interests of road users. Those confident of the ability of officials in Washington, D.C. to spend road users' funds to best advantage should press for the reauthorization of the HTF. But those who are less confident in the virtues of centralized power, and who would like the development of roads to be more responsive to the wishes of those who pay for them, may prefer to see the federal HTF would up, and the abolition of the taxes that support its road-financing arrangements.