OLYMPIA — Transportation officials are considering replacing Washington state’s gas tax to a system that would charge drivers by the mile.
The News Tribune reported Wednesday that the state Transportation Commission is expected to vote in December on tax recommendations to give the state Legislature.
Democratic state Sen. Rebecca Saldana, vice chairwoman of the transportation committee, says the state can’t rely long term on gas tax revenue to fund transportation needs because vehicles have become more fuel-efficient.
She says if lawmakers support a pay-per-mile system, the tax would need to be phased in over 10 to 25 years.
The state Legislature would set the rate people are taxed for the miles they drive as well as how the mileage is reported to the state.
