Senate Democrats Seek $800 Million Per Year More for Transportation

ST. PAUL (AP) - A new fuel surcharge and higher vehicle registration fees are key components of a transportation plan that Senate Democrats say will produce $800 million more per year for construction.

The proposal introduced Monday is more ambitious than what Gov. Mark Dayton has discussed and worlds apart from an initial House Republican plan reliant on existing tax dollars.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Scott Dibble says Minnesota's clogged or deteriorating roads are costing motorists in other ways - lost time, slowed commerce, damaged vehicles and safety problems.

The plan tacks a new 6.5 percent charge on gas purchases and raises license tab fees by a minimum of $5.

Republican Sen. John Pederson says the proposal goes too far and hits the middle class with too many taxes.