Why are so many rest stops closed?

Dutch_12078 wrote:

RoyB wrote:
Its probably the lack of funds as wells... The states funding is really being hit now for roads and bridges... I suspect cheap gasoline really hurts alot of State's fundings it seems...

Roy Ken

Since most states, like the Feds, charge a flat per gallon gas tax, I expect their revenue from the increased sales due to the lower prices has gone up, not down. Those areas that add an additional percentage sales tax on to fuel sales may have seen a revenue decline though, if the increased volume has not kept it stable.

Actually, revenues are declining because vehicles keep getting better mileage. There are many more miles driven per gallon of fuel, meaning more wear and tear per dollar of revenue collected. And then there is the question of allocation of funds. Personally, fixing bridges, overpasses and highway surfaces will trump maintaining rest areas. Fact is, there are many alternatives to rest areas such as truck stops, parks, hotels, RV parks and the like while there are no alternatives to roads and bridges.