12/16/04-Officials in Vancouver intend to ask state lawmakers for authority to propose a local fuel tax as the city struggles to find funds to cover an annual $14 million transportation shortfall.
Unlike past fuel tax increases, last year’s nickel boost saw no revenue distributed to cities. Moreover, all of the dollars generated have been earmarked for specific projects. Once bonds issued to finance these projects are paid off, the 5-cent increase will go away.
Vancouver will work with other cities to urge lawmakers to approve another hike to the state fuel tax, with a provision that cities and counties directly receive a portion of the proceeds.