Iowa lawmakers pursue gas tax increase

Updated Feb 17, 2015

fuel pumpLegislators in both the Iowa Senate and House have approved an increase in the state’s gas tax and will be putting proposed legislation to their respective transportation committees, according to a report in the Sioux City Journal.

Three senators approved the measure Feb. 11, with five members of the House approving it the following day.

The plan has bi-partisan approval and is backed by Gov. Terry Branstad, and could funnel at least $200 million into road construction projects, according to the report.

The annual shortfall for highway projects is estimated at $215 million. Gas tax supporters, the report continued, believe it is “the most fair and equitable way to generate funds for road construction,” because it is a user fee and is “legally protected for use only on road projects.”