Transportation Investment Moves the Economy in the 21st Century (Time21) legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2009, will increase some fees for motor vehicles in the county treasurer’s office, according to Howard County Treasurer Warren Steffen.
    Iowa’s roads and bridges have been deteriorating at a rapid rate. With 114,000 miles of highways, roads and streets and 24,753 bridges, Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in the number of bridges and 13th in miles of roads, but has the 48th worst urban interstate pavement conditions, 35th worst rural interstate pavement conditions, 45th worst primary highway (non-interstate) conditions and 33rd worst percentage of bridges that are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
    The Time21 fund will begin to address these problems with the goal of funding an additional $200 million annually over the next 20 years to be used only on roads and bridges.
    On Jan. 1, 2009, registration fees will increase for newly purchased pickup trucks and special trucks. For 2009 new and used pickups that weigh less than three tons, the fee will increase from $65 to $150 per year to vehicles less than seven model years. For pickup trucks older than seven model years, fees will gradually be phased down to $50 per year.
    Pickups that are used for business trade (commercial or agricultural) that are a 2010 model year or beyond will see fees remain at $150 for three tons. However, when a truck in this category is used for personal use, it will be assessed registration fees by weight and list price.
    The weight and list price for cars will be adjusted so that the minimum fee will be $50. Title fees will increase from $15 to $25. Registration fees on all trailers less than 2,000 pounds will increase from $10 to $20 and all trailers weighing more than 2,000 pounds will increase to $30. Travel trailers will go from 20 cents per square foot to 30 cents per square foot.
    Fees on vehicles currently owned will not increase, but they will take longer to be reduced to the minimum fee of $50 at 12 model years.
    Additional funds generated will be used to meet critical road and bridge infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, Warren said.
    December registration renewal notices have been recently mailed.
    “There may be two options – one for payment before Dec. 31, 2008 and one for payment after Jan. 1, 2009. Customers are strongly urged to examine their statements. They may wish to renew their registrations before Dec. 31, 2008, when fees may increase,” Warren said.