Travel Tax Considered

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration's new transportation
secretary is floating the idea of a tax on motorists based on how
many miles they travel, not how much gas they use.
Ray LaHood says gasoline taxes can no longer be counted on to
raise enough money to keep the nation's transportation system
moving.
In an interview with The Associated Press, LaHood said he's
firmly opposed to raising the gas tax given the current recession
but says the administration wants to think "outside the box" on
how to fund America's infrastructure. Besides a miles tax, that
could include partnerships with businesses and more tolls on roads
and bridges.
Opponents say switching to a miles-traveled tax would discourage
people from scrapping gas guzzlers since there'd be no incentive to
get better mileage.
Still, the idea is gaining traction in a number of states. A
proposal in North Carolina would charge motorists a quarter of a
penny per mile.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)