DES MOINES — A plan to raise Iowa’s fuel tax to pay for road improvements could come up for votes in the state Legislature as early as Tuesday.
Legislation to raise the tax by 10 cents a gallon is listed on the Tuesday debate calendar in the state House. Democratic Senate majority leader Mike Gronstal says it would also be listed on the Senate debate calendar, though he cautioned that putting a bill on the calendar doesn’t guarantee a vote.
The gas tax increase would provide about $215 million annually for Iowa’s network of bridges and roads, many of which are considered deteriorating.
Similar proposals have failed to advance in past years, but Gov. Terry Branstad and legislative leaders have been vocal this year about raising money for infrastructure.