MONTPELIER, Vt. -
A big hole in the transportation budget has lead to talk of a new gas tax to fill the empty tank
At a news conference in Montpelier Thursday Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin recognized that part of VTrans budget shortfall is also part of better driving practices.
"It's a result of our success in driving more fuel efficient cars and driving the miles we're traveling so that's the good news," Gov. Peter Shumlin said.
The bad news is a $28.24 million gap in VTrans budget. The money is needed to receive $40 million in federal funding. To make up the difference law makers proposed a 4% sales tax to purchases at the pump.
But is this the kind of broad based tax Governor Shumlin promised he wouldn't add during his budget address last month?
"We're finding a better way to take in transportation dollars that we've been losing over the last several years because we're driving less miles," Gov. Shumlin said.
"But it impacts all Vermonters," we asked.
"You can call it what you want. Of course it's affecting all Vermonters. Do any of us want to do it? No," Gov. Shumlin said.
This gas tax has consumers worried but also some businesses. Some gas station owners are concerned their customers will cross over to New Hampshire in search of lower gas prices.
"Oh it's definitely going to impact our business," Peter Annis said.
Annis owns Black River Quick Stop in Springfield which, for his customers, is only a quick trip from the Granite State.
"They're naturally going to go to the place where they can get the most value for their dollar," Annis said.
Getting the best value possible is the same rationale law makers use to raise gas taxes to get that $40 million in federal funding.
"We desperately need to rebuild our crumbling roads and bridges," Gov. Shumlin said.
"So it's a choice."
But Vermonters thinking of making the choice to fill up in New Hampshire should consider this. That state is also considering a 12 cent gas tax hike over the next three years because of deteriorating roads.
