Legislative Panel Endorses Gas Tax Increase

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Legislature's Joint Revenue Committee has endorsed increasing Wyoming's fuel tax by 10 cents a gallon and raising motor vehicle registration fees by $10.

The proposals would raise nearly $90 million more per year, most of which would be used to maintain Wyoming highways.

Both bills will be considered during the 2013 legislative session that begins Jan. 8.

The proposals approved on Monday in Cheyenne came out of a months-long study to find a new funding source for the state's cash-strapped highway system.

Gov. Matt Mead recommended the fuel tax increase last week, saying it would give the Wyoming Department of Transportation a predictable revenue stream to plan long-term projects. However, he does not support raising the vehicle registration fee.