712 Digital Group - top

Branstad weighing transportation funding options

News

November 18th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he is reviewing his options for raising revenues to help Iowa’s bridges and roads. Branstad said Monday that he is trying to find out what approach might be politically possible. Earlier this year, Branstad expressed concern about raising the state fuel tax and asked Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino to review the state’s options for funding infrastructure costs.

That list of options includes raising new registration fees and raising fees for oversize vehicles. Branstad says he has not committed to any plan. Iowa’s fuel tax —now 22 cents per gallon for gasoline including fees — hasn’t been raised since 1989. A commission appointed by Branstad in 2011 recommended an increase of 8 to 10 cents a gallon to boost funding for bridges and roads.