Related Stories.What we’ve heard less about is the changing nature of infrastructure funding mechanisms. Cities are shouldering more costs historically covered by state and federal governments, despite facing limitations in the scope and number of funding tools available to them. A by the National League of Cities (NLC) looks at five tools that cities do have at their disposal, and their availability state by state: public-private partnerships, state infrastructure banks, and fuel taxes, special sales taxes, and motor vehicle registration fees. NLC argues that in the face of declining federal funding, increasing mandates, and the weakening bonds and misaligned priorities of state, local, and federal governments, cities require reliable ways to fix their infrastructure problems.Titled “Paying for local infrastructure in a new era of federalism,” the report examines funding for three major infrastructure categories: roads, transit and wastewater/stormwater. Historically, the primary federal funding source for roads has been the, levied primarily via an 18.4 cents per gallon tax on gasoline and a 24.4 cents per gallon tax on diesel. Those rates haven’t been raised since 1993, and reductions in per capita vehicle miles driven and increases in fuel efficiency standards have resulted in net losses for the fund.
Building a Better World: Infrastructure's Role in Economic Growth. Networks to foster economic growth, improve public health systems, and reduce poverty. Encouraging Private Infrastructure Investment. (FHWA) data show that the nation’s bridges have steadily improved in quality. 3 Of the roughly 600,000 bridges in the country.
According to the NLC, the fund will amass a $180 billion deficit over the next decade if current projections are accurate.Some states have also moved away from “user fees,” sometimes using state gas taxes to cover a funding shortfall instead. State or federal requirements that cities be able to match funds they receive can also create insurmountable obstacles to engaging in necessary projects. When funding is available, state priorities and city priorities aren’t always in line., for example, even though the country’s increasing urbanization has resulted in a 9.1 percent increase in U.S.
Transit ridership over the last decade. The state of New Hampshire even has a moratorium right now on state aid grants for water and sewer projects.And water infrastructure faces some of the direst need in the country. Is just the tip of the iceberg: The majority of are between 50 and 150 years old. The NLC cites the American Society for Civil Engineers’ estimate that $1.3 trillion in capital investment will be required to improve and maintain waste and stormwater systems over the next 20 to 25 years. The EPA estimates that an additional $384.2 billion is needed to improve and maintain drinking water infrastructure.Water and wastewater infrastructure is traditionally funded through separate state revolving funds, which vary according to local needs and preferences. Congress appropriates about $2 billion a year to these funds; states need to match the share they receive, and they then make loans to cities. Some manage to make do using this combination of state and local programs and taxes, but other cities still anticipate much higher investment needs than available funding.
Cities that need to eliminate combined sewer overflows, for example, are required to do so by EPA mandate, but are provided with.What cities do have, though, in 29 states, is the ability to levy special sales taxes. An additional tax added to the purchase of goods or services — usually no higher than 2 percent — allows cities to raise funds for particular projects and needs. Some states permit revenues to be directed to general purposes, while others require they be earmarked for a specific purpose. The NLC argues that funding should be flexible — not just confined to roads spending — but not overly broad either, so it can’t be plundered to fill operating budget gaps during an economic downturn, for example.
In Texas, approximately 250 cities have levied a tax, with funds limited to maintaining and repairing streets and sidewalks. Cities in all of the 29 states that authorize them to levy such taxes do, with 18 states requiring voter approval. From National League of Cities'Local motor vehicle registration fees could prove more reliable, at least in the short-term. As an annual fee applied either at a flat rate or based on vehicle value, weight, body type, age, or number of wheels, revenue is dependent on the number and quality of cars on the road, not how much fuel they use. Cities in 26 states are authorized to use them, and that happens in 21. In 17 of those states, revenue can be dedicated to roads; in three states it can be used for transit, and in eight states it can be used for general funds or a combination.
![Bimini Improved Infrastructure Bimini Improved Infrastructure](https://cdn.thenassauguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/03022715/Bimini-2.jpg)
In North Carolina, for example, the fee can be up to $30, with $5 for general purposes, $5 for public transportation and the remainder for streets.For wastewater and stormwater, the NLC suggests two different tactics: public-private partnerships and state infrastructure banks. Currently 32 states have some form of legislation enabling, and 13 authorize P3s for all types of infrastructure. Exactly how P3 water deals will shake out for cities isn’t covered in the report; indeed, there’s still much with regard to who bears financial risk, the private funders or the public agencies. The NLC acknowledges the “relative novelty” of the mechanism, but points to some worth examining. From National League of Cities'State infrastructure banks are typically revolving investment funds, which provide grants and low-interest loans for infrastructure projects. They’re all set up and run slightly differently, but the report notes that I-banks, as they’re known, tend to favor transportation projects. (Democratic 2016 presidential candidate the formation of such a nationwide bank to be seeded with $25 billion.) Most states currently have separate revolving funds for water and wastewater infrastructure, with the exception of California, which has a centralized I-bank.
Alameda has financed a new fire station through the California I-bank; several cities are currently receiving low-interest loans to replace streetlights with LEDs. From National League of Cities'“As valuable as the I-Bank is, however, there are needs that vastly exceed its capacity to work with cities,” says Chris McKenzie, executive director of the League of California Cities.Matt Colvin, an NLC transit advocate, says NLC views last year’s, Congress’ first true multi-year transportation bill since 2005, as a step in the right direction, with increased financial discretion to local leaders for surface transportation and more money for non-vehicular transit.“But we don’t think that’s enough,” says Colvin.
Bimini might only be 50 nautical miles from Miami, but the beauty and beaches here are unmistakably Bahamian. Translucent turquoise water and bright white beaches are found throughout the islands.Though the Lucayan word 'Bimini' translates to 'two islands,' Bimini is actually comprised of three small islands. North Bimini is the most populated and is home to the majority of the tourism industry. South Bimini is quieter, less developed and mostly local (it also houses Bimini's small airport). The smallest of the three islands is East Bimini, which doesn't see any action from locals or tourists.Settlers from the U.K.
Discovered the splendor and magic of Bimini about 200 years ago, and it has drawn travelers from around the globe ever since. Though small, Bimini has made its mark in history. Being so close to Miami, Bimini held a key location for rumrunners during Prohibition, the most famous being William S. McCoy, whose reliable alcohol supply helped coin the term 'the real McCoy.' It's also been under speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis and home to the original Fountain of Youth.Famous leaders have been known to seek respite in the spectacular surrounds of Bimini, including Margaret Thatcher and the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King wrote two speeches here, his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and his famous (and last) speech in 1968 to the striking sanitation workers.
His island and bonefishing guide, Mr. Ansil Saunders, still lives in Bimini today.
There is no formal cruise terminal in Bimini, and larger cruise ships will tender with a drop off behind the Resorts World Bimini on its private docks. Resort access is a two-minute walk up a ramp.There is nothing within easy walking distance, though you can walk to the resort's temporary beach club in about 20 minutes (in operation until about mid-2020). The resort has three restaurants, a pool, two bars and a casino; day passes are available for purchase.
Virgin Voyages is slated to open an upscale European-style beach club in spring 2020 that will feature six bars, a large centerpiece pool, Bahamian cuisine and a relaxation area with hammocks, among other things. Virgin ships will call directly at the beach club. There aren't any attractions within walking distance, but passengers can book shore excursions.Cruisers who arrive via ferry from Miami or another island in the Bahamas will dock at a small pier in North Bimini, which functions as the official ferry port. There's not much here outside of public restrooms and a small customs area.Resorts World Bimini operates a small tram between the ferry port and resort, or visitors can try and flag down or arrange a taxi. The resort tram also drops off in Alice Town and a few other notable stops throughout Bimini. Good to Know.
On Foot: You probably don't want to try walking around Bimini unless you're already in either Alice Town or Bailey Town, where you'll find a handful of restaurants and bars lining the main road. Otherwise, things in Bimini are miles apart, and it's best to choose another way to get around.
Travel from the ferry pier, Resorts World Bimini or requires wheels.By Golf Cart:Bimini locals drive cars, while tourists rent golf carts. Golf carts are rented by the hour or day and share the wide one-lane paved roads with cars, pedestrians and bikes. Prices are competitive between rental companies and are sometimes negotiable. Like the U.K., Bimini residents drive on the left side of the road.By Bike:Bicycles are another popular form of transportation for tourists. Rates are set in hour, half-day or full-day increments. There are no sidewalks, so expect to share the road with motorists, golf carts and pedestrians.
Lanes are about 1.5 times wider than roads in the U.S. But don't have middle divider lines.By Ferry:Since Bimini only has a few roads, ferries are a common and convenient way to travel long distances or between islands. The marina behind Resorts World Bimini has a popular ferry service between North Bimini and South Bimini.By Tram or Shuttle:For those who don't want to rent golf carts or bikes (or if either are sold out), there are daily trams that connect North and South Bimini, and some tour companies and hotels operate shuttles. However, public and shared transportation options will leave you at the mercy of 'island time' schedules and developing infrastructure. Anyone with a limited amount of time or a strict schedule should keep this in mind when budgeting time.By Taxi:Taxis are available on the islands but only accept cash. Rates between any two points on the island usually come out to single digits.
There are no ridesharing services or apps available on the island; you'll either have to flag down a driver on the street or get someone to dial one up on the telephone or request a dispatch via the radio channel dedicated to taxis. Currency & Best Way to Get Money.