Dayton Suggests Tax Hikes to Tackle Transportation Problem

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton's plan for transportation would repair or replace 2,200 miles of state roads and 330 bridges, but would come at a noticeable cost to taxpayers.

Dayton released a large-scale proposal Monday that depends on adding a new 6.5 percent tax on gas and higher vehicle registration fees. To pay for 20 new transitways and increased bus service, the governor recommended a half-percent increase in the Twin Cities area sales tax.

The plan is Dayton's stab at what he considers to be a $6 billion problem over the next decade. But it could have a tough time in the Republican-controlled House, where lawmakers see less need and have little appetite for tax hikes.

Dayton says his proposal would also boost spending on locally maintained roads and bridges.