OLYMPIA, Wash. — Lawmakers could start voting as early as Monday night on a $16.1 billion transportation revenue package that includes an 11.9-cent gas tax increase that would be phased in over two years.
Gas taxes will go up 7 cents Aug. 1 and 4.9 cents July 1, 2016.
Gov. Jay Inslee agreed over the weekend to what he calls a "poison pill," which would send fee revenue to the main transportation account instead of transit and bike paths, if he pursues a low carbon-fuel standard, which would mandate refiners mix gasoline with advanced kinds of ethanol that don't create as much carbon when burned.
Republicans say such a standard raises a lot of unanswered questions, including how much it would drive up the cost of gas.
In a news release Sunday, Inslee said he will sign the bill because "legislators tell me it is essential to passing the $15 billion multi-modal transportation package and authorizing an additional $15 billion for Sound Transit light rail expansion."
The transportation package will be used to fund completion of the west end of the 520 corridor in Seattle, a new state ferry, improvements to I-5 by Joint Base Lewis-McChord, widening of I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass and completing State Route 167 in Tacoma.
"We're going to get $15 billion worth of investment across this state and I think that is really major," said Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island).
The gas tax increase comes on top of the 37.5 cents drivers in Washington already pay.
"I think we are falling apart from a transportation perspective in Seattle so I don't have any problem paying it, I think it's a great idea," said Shawna Ader, of Seattle.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
KIRO
