A new suggestion for raising road maintenance funds in Virginia

As an alternative to Governor Bob McDonnell’s plan to add tolls to Virginia roads, State Sen. John Watkins (R-Powhatan) has suggested an increase in the state gas tax. Increasing revenue for road repairs and construction is badly needed, however there are disagreements in how to raise the money. Virginia has not raised gas taxes since 1986, but the proposed 14 cent increase could produce more than $700 million dollars to be used on important road repairs. Watkins says that his plan will have the same effect as adding toll roads, but will not affect traffic patterns.