Transportation committee reconsidering fuel tax increase

 

CASPER — A fuel tax increase is again being considered by the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee to address the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s structural funding deficit.

During its first meeting of the interim Wednesday at Casper College, the committee decided to revisit and rework House Bill 26, a bill that would increase the state’s fuel tax from 24 cents to 33 cents a gallon for both gasoline and diesel fuels. Despite receiving support from the House’s Appropriations and Transportation committees, the bill was not considered by the House or Senate during this year’s session in March.

The fuel tax increase, as presented earlier this year, would generate an additional $61.47 million with $40.24 million going to the state highways as managed by WYDOT. According to estimates provided last year, the agency — which is funded through the state’s general fund — is currently facing a funding shortfall of roughly $354 million a year, including $103 million less than what is needed to preserve the state’s roads and bridges.

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