9/18/07-A special transportation panel in Massachusetts is calling for more taxes and tolls to be collected from car and truck drivers to help pay for road, bridge and rail work. The boost in revenue would help the state generate $18 billion for transportation projects during the next 20 years.
The state’s Transportation Finance Commission released a report that recommended increasing the state’s 21 cent-per-gallon fuel tax rate by 11.5 cents to 32.5 cents. They also called for charging highway users 5 cents per mile to travel on highways in the state.
The possibility of boosting the fuel tax rate has little support from Gov. Deval Patrick. In addition, adding tolls also would face an uphill battle with the governor. He is conducting his own review, the Boston Herald reported.
Other proposals include boosting toll rates on the Massachusetts Turnpike and studying whether to lease some roads and bridges.
Opponents said lawmakers should focus on reforms before getting into discussions about new taxes and fees.