Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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1/8/04-Alabama’s road-building industry could push for higher fuel taxes when state lawmakers head to the Capitol next month to avoid losing millions of dollars in federal highway funds.
Industry lobbyist Billy Norrell told The Associated Press a 5-cent-per-gallon increase on diesel fuel and gasoline would help pay for upgrades on roads, mass and rural transit, and small airports.
Norrell, executive director of the Alabama Road Builders Association, said the state in coming years could miss qualifying for millions of dollars in federal transportation grants without the higher taxes. The federal government grants states $4 for every dollar raised in state fuel taxes or other matching state money.
The suggested 5-cent hike could raise about $120 million a year, AP reported.
Lawmakers will kick off their 15-week regular session of the Legislature Feb. 3.
