MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Legislators are looking for a way to
pump up transportation funding and that could mean higher prices at the gas
pump.
The Vermont transportation budget
currently has a $35 million shortfall. If it's not filled, the state will lose
out on $40 million in matching federal grants.
Gas tax revenues are falling as
drivers travel fewer miles in more fuel efficient vehicles.
Rep. Pat Brennan, R-Colchester, is
chair of the Transportation Committee. Brennan says the plan now on the table
would reduce the cent per gallon tax, but add a 4 percent sales tax on the
total purchase, so as gas prices rise, so do tax revenues.
"We're going to continue the
discussion, we may-- it's not cast in stone-- we're going to be looking at
maybe decreasing that proposal, increasing that proposal, we're looking at
other revenues," Brennan said.
Brennan says consumers would end up
paying about 8 or 9 cents more per gallon if the plan became law.
Fuel distributors testified that the
change would hurt their business, especially for those along the New Hampshire
border.
Related Story:
How fuel efficiency is draining Vt. transportation budget
