ND lawmakers to consider gas tax increase

North Dakota lawmakers are being asked to green light a hike in the state’s gas tax.  The House Transportation Committee took testimony this morning on a bill that would increase the tax from 23 to 26 cents a gallon.  Supporters say with rising maintenance costs a hike in the tax is long overdue.

Representative Vicky Steiner says the tax has not changed since 2005 and vehicles are more fuel efficient today.

North Dakota DOT Deputy Director of Administration Terra Miller Bowley says revenue generated by the tax supports projects across the state.

By comparison the gas tax rate in Minnesota is 28.6 cents….30 cents a gallon in South Dakota….and 32.75 cents in Montana.

House Bill 1464 would also impose a 25 dollar annual fee against owners of electric vehicles – and a $52 dollar fee against hybrid models.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.