6-cent gas tax hike central to new transportation deal in WA Legislature

Washington state legislators are proposing a 6-cent increase in the gasoline tax, effective July 1, the first hike since 2016. This bipartisan initiative aims to generate nearly $3. 2 billion over six years to address a projected $1 billion budget shortfall in the next two years and $8 billion over six years. The funds are critical for financing transportation projects, including highway megaprojects and state ferries. In addition to the gas tax, the plan includes increases for diesel fuel taxes and new fees on vehicle sales and rentals.

Notably, the proposal omits several previously considered measures, such as increased fees on electric vehicle registrations. House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey expressed disappointment over the exclusion of a new highway use fee based on fuel efficiency. The Senate's original plan garnered some Republican support, reflecting a collaborative effort to find common ground. A vote in the House Transportation Committee is set for Wednesday morning as lawmakers finalize the two-year transportation plan.