States Counterplan 1NC

Several funding mechanisms for state run waterways

At the conclusion of this second phase of surveying, there were a number of overall observations concerning these final ten states. In the area of Dedicated Funds for Ports, the states of Florida and Virginia both have successful programs for ports backed by dedicated funding sources. Florida dedicates $25 million annually from motor vehicle registration fees and $8 million annually from other transportation revenues. These dedicated funds support the sale of bonds and the provision of grants and loans to 14 deep water ports. Virginia dedicates 4.2% of its annual transportation revenues to a port fund administered by the Virginia Port Authority. This fund generates $36 million annually and has allowed for the sale of $400 million in bond funds to support port construction. The Sources of Funds for Ports varies across the country. By far the two sources which are most prominent are General Fund Revenues and Transportation Fund Revenues. Of the initial thirty one states surveyed, seven provided no funds to ports; eleven used only general funds to support ports; seven states used only transportation funds to support ports; and six used a combination of general funds and transportation funds. Some of the unique funding sources included watercraft fuel taxes (Alaska), vessel registration fees (California), lottery revenues (Oregon) and federal stimulus funds (Maine). Appendix D lists the funding sources for all thirty one states. The use of Revolving Loan Funds is used in many states. Such programs provide loans, bonding capacity or credit enhancements for borrowing ports or their tenants. States such as Mississippi, Ohio, Washington and Oregon make extensive use of these types of loan funds. In most cases, the legislature seeds the fund with a onetime appropriation and the funds become self supporting thereafter. State Taxing Policy for Ports is a mechanism used in some states. Washington grants local taxing authority to its ports without the need for a local referendum although they limit the amount of tax that can be assessed. Ports in other states such as Texas, Ohio, and Florida make extensive use local taxes to support both capital and operating costs. Just as important, some states, such as Alabama, make extensive use of state tax incentives to attract private sector partners. Port Planning Requirements for Funding exists in many states. In these states, ports may be required to have projects consistent with a port master plan or a state master plan before money can be granted or loaned to a project.