Could budget shortfalls mean Rural Tennessee Reverts to Gravel Roads?
As Tennessee and local governments deal with continuing budget shortfalls, road maintenance and construction could feel more of a pinch and cheaper alternatives may be necessary.
The Wall Street Journal reported this weekend that in Michigan, 38 of 83 counties converted asphalt roads to gravel. Counties in Pennsylvania and Alabama have been shifting to chip-and-seal roads. South Dakota has shifted 100 miles of rural roads back to gravel.
Tennessee had to get through a $1.5 billion budget shortfall, covering it non-recurring federal stimulus money. Unless there’s a dramatic turnaround in the economy, the state legislature and a new governor will face tough choices. Local governments may face tougher choices if road funds from the state dwindle.
WSJ’s article “Road to Ruin: Towns Ripe Up The Pavement” noted that the price of asphalt has more than doubled over the past 10 years. That doesn’t look like it will subside soon.
