Recent editions have taken us down the path to Washington. In the meantime, plenty of shenanigans have taken place a few dozen miles east on US 50. Then again, I suppose I should not be too quick to call them shenanigans.
A reader recently referred to my scribble as “visceral over the State of Maryland.” This type of reader response would probably be glossed over in a National publication. Not everyone can be pleased all the time; however, in a close-knit community, it is important to try.
What this reader may have been referring to was part two of “my electronic journey for answers.” The thesis was that we are all subjected to “tangled web governance,” a system of government bailing out government for which we all wind up footing the bill. The conclusion was a series of ideas that could be implemented at the State level to provide Eastern Shore counties with a level of autonomy. Within the context of a standard op-ed piece, I suppose those ideas could be dismissed as instinct over intellect.
Over the next few weeks we will explore these ideas in greater detail. While our skeptical readers may not agree with these ideas, I hope that they are viewed as worthy of conversation. For now, I hope that our skeptical readers can allow me the following indulgence.
I hope our readers have long attention spans. During the last election cycle, Governor O’Malley peppered the airwaves with ads that decried former Governor Ehrlich’s use of fees to fund State projects. This strategy was recycled from the 2006 election. Suddenly fee increases have become necessary (Kind of slots, yes?). I’m guessing this occurred on November 3rd.
Troup’s Corner is actually in favor of user-based government funding. Maryland is an economically and geographically diverse State. The counties of Western Maryland should not be subjected to one size fits all taxation to pay for tolled roads and facilities. User-based funding also adheres to the matching principle of accounting.
So it would seem that this week’s edition should end at this point, correct? Not so fast, my friend! Operating costs for the toll system are expected to rise from $217m this year to $294m in 2014, or 35%. Debt service will go from $35m this year to $144m in 2014, a 410% increase. The toll increases are being used for the primary purpose of debt servicing. These debts have been incurred to build MD-200 (aka the ICC) and I-95 express lanes north of Baltimore. Shouldn’t the revenues realized from these projects be applied to the expenses?
Currently, the toll is $.31 per mile on the Bay Bridge. When the 2013 rate takes effect, the Bay Bridge toll will effectively be a dollar per mile (round trip). The gripe that the Eastern Shore seems to have about Annapolis is that the region is viewed as drive-by country for the purposes of reaching the beach. If this criticism has validity, then a dollar per mile to reach the beach is likely viewed as no big deal by its supporters. There’s always a downside.
The downside is the effect on the commuter. The Bay Bridge’s current $1 commuter toll will go to $1.50 in October and $2.80 in 2013. The I-95 80 cent commuter rate will rise to $1.80 in October and then to $2.80 in 2013. Relative to the regular price, the current I-95 commuter rate is far friendlier than the Bay Bridge rate. One point of concession, Maryland rates have been lower than other rates across the Nation. That said, this point screams of Government martyrdom. “Look at the break we cut you all these years.” As stewards of the public trust, this is what they should seek to accomplish in their ordinary course of business.
While Eastern Shore commuters should pay for their use of the bridge, the burden should be the same versus the burden placed on commuters at other sites. As we often find out in the reader reaction portion, issues can intersect. Perhaps new questions should be asked. Instead of parsing out the details of toll A versus toll B and who’s getting shafted, perhaps it should be asked, “What can be done to eliminate the need for this commute?” Over the next few weeks, we will explore several options to increase the economic viability of the Eastern Shore.
Troup’s Corner Non-Sequitur: Overheard at the ticket window at Oriole Park with respect to Chick-Fil-A no longer sponsoring the Junior Orioles Dugout Club. “You really should announce have announced that.” It seems I’m always behind these people. Let me respond on behalf of the Orioles. “So what you’re saying is – the club should purchase ad space to announce that a company is NOT going to be a sponsor of a team promotion. Come on people, think!”
MD Eastern Shore says
To the extent that higher tolls cause those who work on the western shore to live there, all the better.
To the extent that higher tolls penalize those who live on the Eastern Shore but cannot earn to their potential here, this unequal treatment is hardly a shock. Look at the recent liiquor tax increase. Like the “millionaire tax”, I can imagine the inevitable headline: “higher tolls fail to raise expected additional revenue, other sources required to prevent debt service default.” The millionaires shifted income out of state, people will buy liquor out of state, and people will find ways to avoid driving over the bridge.
We could follow the model used by Delaware on Rt 1, where the tolls double at 6 Friday evening and return to normal Monday morning. But we won’t, because that would cost the annointed from annapolis extra, and we can’t have that!
MBTroup says
MDES – Your proposal has much validity, especially given the increased use of electronic toll collection.
Len says
Why don’t we have an Interstate on the Eastern Shore.
The purpose of the Interstate system when proposed was for the quick movement of troops and for evacuation and movement of the population.
Why hasn’t there been such a route from Delmarva to the Mainland.
In an emergency we on the Eastern Shore are sitting ducks. Route 13 is too congested and so is route 50 for the quick movement of the people.
MBTroup says
@Len – Hmmm. That’s a be careful what you wish for situation. Interstates aren’t just built and then that’s that. The motorists would need off ramps for services. Service providers would want a substantial market. That means developments. I think the Bypass/Business construct works well for the region.
Plus DE1 could probably be deemed an interstate if it made the interchanges with US13 safer. And it would take Dover off the lsit of state capitals not serviced by the system (that’s a fun bar trivia question if you want to tackle it – no googling!)
StellaL says
Yes, lets build another highway..???!! I’m sure that won’t clog up with traffic and will aways be pristine for a quickie evacuation!
Gren Whitman says
MD. Eastern Shore opines that “people will find ways to avoid driving over the bridge,” but can they?
Can they swim, row, sail, hang-glide, fly, tunnel, drive through Elkton, or Norfolk?
Yes, there are all sorts of means to “avoid driving over the bridge,” but they’re either impractical or impossible.
Keith Thompson says
@Troup,
You were reading my mind. DE Rt. 1 is already pretty close to being an interstate (and I didn’t know that Dover is the only state capitol not serviced by an interstate highway.) I also don’t think it would take much to convert the MD portion of Rt. 301 into an interstate highway and there are already plans to convert the Delaware portion into a highway link with I-95. It certainly would mean an increase in development along what is now the Rt. 301 corridor.
StellaL says
Re: It ceretainly would mean an increase in development..Wow, a super turn- on for most Spy readers!!
John M says
@ Keith
Juneau, Alaska has no highway access to the rest of the state, the only way in or out is plane or boat.
Honolulu, Hawaii does have H1 but good luck going out of state on it.
jrad says
Jefferson City MO also is not served directly by an interstate… only US 50 and 63.
Keith Thompson says
Obviously I misread Troup’s line on state capitols not serviced by interstates. I’m heading off to remedial reading comprehension class.
Warrior Bob Kramer says
jrad says: Jefferson City MO also is not served directly by an interstate… only US 50
Interestingly… Carson City is served by US Route 50 & 395. And Pierre by US 14.
Steve Payne says
If you skew the burden to the commercial and tourist side it’s bad for the economy. If you skew it to the commuters then it hurts the residents . So either way it’s bad for us. The only excuse for not supporting the increase is to lower the costs of the routine bridge maintenance or defer it until the economy gets better. But somehow I think people would object even then. If the toll revenue is going to support unrelated state expenses then I think I would object too.