Regional macroeconomic outcomes under alternative arrangements for the financing of public infrastructure

Abstract

We use a dynamic multi-regional CGE model (MMRF) to evaluate the regional macroeconomic consequences of four methods of financing a program of regional government infrastructure provision. The methods are developer charges, debt, payroll tax and residential rates. We demonstrate that the net gains from a program of public infrastructure development are quite sensitive to the chosen financing means. The net gains are greatest under rates and debt financing, and least under developer charges and payroll tax financing