Deal Remains Noncommittal On Approach To Transportation Funding Gap

State officials say at a minimum – just to maintain the current network of roads and bridges – a billion more dollars per year is needed.  

Deal acknowledged the issue.

“The question of, ‘is it going to be new revenue and if so what is the source of the new revenue going to be?’ – that is the most difficult discussion point obviously in the whole process but it is time we looked at it,” said Deal.  

The governor didn’t want to comment further until a legislative committee releases a set of recommendations aimed at the problem.

Rep. Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla, co-chairs the committee and says “everything remains of the table,” including a possible increase of the state’s gas tax.   

“The average car drives about 12,000 miles a year but if you look at that that’s $84 a year, is all they’re paying in motor fuel tax. I actually think that’s not that much money when you consider riding up and down the roads and I think a lot of people out there actually believe they’re paying a lot more,” said Roberts.

He says the committee will deliver its findings by the end of the month.