21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force releases report, calls for 10 cent fuel tax increase | The Missouri Times

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A group of Missouri lawmakers is recommending a 10 cent raise to the state’s gas tax for each gallon in order to maintain the Show-Me State’s more than 3,000 miles of highway.

In an 87-page report issued on Monday, the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force outlined a number of legislative remedies they say would address issues and concerns about the highway system and funding for it.

During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, the chairman of the task force, Rep. Kevin Corlew, said that the purchasing power of the state’s current 17-cent-per-gallon fuel tax was no longer keeping up with inflation.

“The same purchasing power that 17 cents had in 1996 is now only 8 cents,” he said. “Just to keep up with inflation, we need an adjustment.” . .

The task force also proposed taking an additional $50-70 million in funds and dedicating it to aviation, mass transit, railroads, and ports.

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21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force releases report, calls for 10 cent fuel tax increase | The Missouri Times

MoBikeFed comment: Bicycle and pedestrian projects will also be eligible for the proposed $50-70 million annually for 'multimodal' transportation.

The proposal is it divide the $50-70 million regionally across Missouri according to MoDOT's usual formulas. Local regions across the state--Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Regional Planning Commissions, together the corresponding MoDOT District staff, will then set local priorities for this funding.