For the second straight year, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is pushing for a boost in the gasoline tax and vehicle registration fees to address the road maintenance backlog. Since no better ideas have emerged, the Legislature ought to move forward before the state falls into a deeper rut. Last year, a funding package failed to be adopted. The state faces a $240 million backlog, which is unsurprising since it hasn't raised the gas tax since 1996. Meanwhile, the price tags for repairs and materials have risen annually. The state has tried to patch the difference with Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds, which allow states to borrow against future federal highway allocations, but that isn't enough. As Otter said, the state can't "accomplish 2008 goals with 1996 dollars"/SR Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Is it time to raise state gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to pay for Idaho road construction and improvements?

---

---