A Republican lawmaker is proposing a gasoline tax and sweeping reforms in the operation of the DOTD so more funds can be directed towards repairing state roads and bridges. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland, Government Reform in Transportation Act also known as GRIT, adds a ten-cent gas tax the first year, raising $300 million in potential revenue and…
“It would not put us in a position where we could go out and reach our full Federal dollars that often we leave money on the table,” said McFarland.
After the first year, an additional two cents would be added on gasoline every other year until 2033, it would then total 22 cents higher than the current 20 cents.
The bill also requires an initial DOTD forensic audit and annual oversight of how the department spends its existing funds to ensure compliance.
McFarland said in the past he’s voted against a gas tax increase but as a businessman who’s losing money in transportation costs, he’s added reform and audit measures to the proposal, so spending is more transparent.
“I’m also a businessman that understands if I can get from point A to point B with goods and services then I’m not going to be in business very much longer,” said McFarland.
McFarland said the Bayou State has the seventh-lowest gas tax in the nation and once the additional full $.22 is added…
“And even in 2033, even if we pass this fully right now in today’s dollars, we would still only be around 27th, 28th best in the country in our gas tax,” said McFarland.
The GRIT Act earmarks 60-percent of revenue for maintenance of existing state roads and bridges and 40-percent towards capacity projects including a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge.
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