OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Democratic leaders in the Washington state House have unveiled a 16-year, $25.8 billion transportation package that includes an 18-cent increase in the gas tax and a new fee on carbon emissions. The Everett Herald reports that supporters say the new revenue is needed to cover the cost of projects like the replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River and removal of state-owned culverts that are blocking fish passage. Under the proposal, $17.6 billion would come largely from the gas tax increase. It would be imposed over the next two years and indexed for inflation going forward.
Gas tax hike part of House Democrats’ transportation plan
