The 6-cent hike is part of a $3.2 billion transportation revenue package. Legislators plan to release their finalized transportation spending plan on Saturday.
The Washington state legislature has approved a significant increase in the state's gas tax, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, raising it by 10 cents per gallon to fund transportation infrastructure projects. This decision, which passed with bipartisan support, aims to address the state's aging roads and bridges, as well as to support public transit and environmental initiatives. The increase is expected to generate an additional $500 million annually, with specific allocations for road maintenance, new construction, and green transportation solutions. Critics argue that the tax will disproportionately affect lower-income families, while supporters emphasize the long-term benefits for the state's transportation system and environmental goals.