Sec. 2. The department shall contract with a third party to study transportation infrastructure funding mechanisms. The contract must include the following terms:
(1) A description of the funding mechanisms that will be studied. The funding mechanisms must include the following:
(A) An option that is based on variables, including vehicle gross weight and miles traveled.
(B) An option that accounts for variations in usage and degree of damage caused to transportation infrastructure by vehicles of different sizes and configurations.
(C) A flat per vehicle fee.
(D) Adjustments to one (1) or more of the following:
(i) The state gross retail tax on motor fuel imposed under IC 6-2.5-7.
(ii) The gasoline tax imposed under IC 6-6-1.1.
(iii) The special fuel tax imposed under IC 6-6-2.5.
(iv) The motor carrier fuel tax imposed under IC 6-6-4.1.
(E) Tolls.
(F) Any other mechanism the department determines is appropriate.
(2) The duration of the study, which must be an adequate length of time to ensure that a quality and comprehensive analysis of all topics will be thoroughly reviewed, but is not to exceed two (2) years.
(3) An inventory of the transportation infrastructure that will be maintained through revenue generated by the funding mechanisms included in the study. The inventory must include state and local highways, roads, and streets.
(4) The rating system by which the maintenance of the transportation infrastructure will be evaluated.
As added by P.L.208-2014, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.185-2018, SEC.30.
