TAX POLICY * USA - Washington's roads may see tolls if gas tax decline persists

State senate plugs transportation gaps as lawmakers pass supplemental budget

Olympia,WASH,USA -The News Tribune, by Michelle Dupler -23 Feb 2010: ... Gas tax revenue is down $168 million for the current biennium, which ends June 30, 2011. That means lawmakers must find other ways to raise money for roads... Eastern Washington drivers could see tolls on highways and bridges in coming years if state lawmakers can't find a way to pay for roads... While unveiling an $8.6 billion supplemental transportation budget Monday, legislators from the Senate Transportation Committee said declining gas tax income from more fuel-efficient vehicles and drivers conserving gas will short-change transportation projects about $1 billion over 16 years... The state relies on gas taxes for about 80 percent of the money spent on roads. The other 20 percent comes from other fees... One solution being considered is creation of a $100 license fee for electric cars... (Photo from University of Washington: 1942's, log truck passing over John Huelsdonk Bridge over the Hoh River, Jefferson County)