AKRON, Ohio — Talks of a gas tax increase have taken center stage as the state considers funding solutions to help pay to fix Ohio's roads and highways.
In Ohio, the current gas tax stands at 28 cents, which is lower than some neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.
"While [Ohio] raised their gas tax in 2005, it has actually lost a third of it’s purchasing power," said Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) Director Curtis Baker. "
AMATS is part of the Fix Our Roads Ohio Coalition, a group of local government, business and transportation leaders that are asking lawmakers to address ways to fix the state’s transportation funding problem. One possible solution: a gas tax hike.
"The positives just outweigh the negatives," said Baker. "The positives of fewer potholes, better maintained roads, better flowing roadway system, on top of the amount of jobs it can bring in."
While there’s no official word on how much that gas tax increase would be, Baker noted that one penny would generate about $66 million a year for the state.
A committee put together by Ohio Governor Mike Dewine, which includes Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, wrapped up two meetings this week to look the potential gas tax increase and other funding options.
The committee plans to release an official proposal by mid-February.
