A legislative panel has added nearly two million dollars in new revenue to Governor Dennis Daugaard’s fifty point nine million dollar funding hike for roads and bridges.

The House Transportation Committee approved changes to the governor’s plan, which raises transportation funding through a variety of increases in fuel taxes, fees and other assessments.

The governor’s director of policy and operations, Nathan Sanderson, says Daugaard’s proposal will fix the “imbalance” between current infrastructure financing and future needs…

 

Sanderson says the gas tax has not kept up with inflation, or road construction costs…

 

The committee voted to end in 2030 a 2-cent fuel tax increase the governor proposed. They also added about one point four million dollars in revenue for local infrastructure through additional vehicle fee increases.

Committee member Representative Jim Bolin of Canton says the gas tax may need more restrictions…

 

The committee is expected to review the plan again February 12th. A competing Senate plan would raise more than $100 million in its first year.