Utah legislative leaders signaled Tuesday that the state’s gasoline tax will almost surely go up this year — maybe by 10 cents a gallon — and will likely be restructured to adjust automatically once a year to keep pace with inflation.
Lawmakers are also proposing to allow counties to increase sales tax by a quarter-cent per dollar purchase to help fund local road projects and transit service.
They also propose raising registration fees on electric or alternative-fuel vehicles to help ensure their owners pay their fair share for road maintenance and construction.
The Utah legislature is trying to cover an estimated $11 billion shortfall for priority projects in the state’s unified transportation plan through 2040.
House Transportation Committee Chairman Johnny Anderson (R-Taylorsville) said the House GOP Caucus last month endorsed not only transportation-tax hikes, but also the idea to "dump our antiquated" tax system for one that automatically keeps up with inflation and makes those now escaping gas tax contribute.
