MASON CITY, IA-Government leaders in Des Moines are tossing around the idea of raising the state's gas tax
Governor Terry Brandstad is also raising support for the issue. The Republican leader believes maintaining and improving the transportation system is critical in keeping Iowa moving forward.
Essentially it adds a little bit more to the amount you pay for gas. However, the money that comes from the tax goes right back into improving Iowa roads.
And as we are finding out keeping our roads up to date is becoming increasingly difficult.
Cerro Gordo County Engineer Mary Kelly said they have not seen an increase in the money they get from the tax for more than 20 years.
She said that's not good because construction costs keep going up.
County Engineers all over the state are struggling with budget issues and deciding which to fix and which ones will have to wait.
Kelly said many are even considering turning roads back into gravel to cut costs.
Kelly said, "something needs to be done, and a gas tax is a somewhat fair way to tax the users of the road system because the more you drive the more your gonna generate that revenue because you utilize more gas."
Kelly realizes this may mean another increase to gas prices, but she says in the long run it will benefit everyone because roads will be smoother and newer.
She said if they don't figure out someway to get more revenue for construction, the public will start to notice road conditions deteriorating.
While Branstad said his first priority this year will be to get the state's financial house in order, it does not necessarily mean the gas tax is off the table. He is hinting, by improving the roads, it would add jobs and raise income in Iowa.
