DES MOINES — The Iowa Legislature has approved a 10-cent increase to the state fuel tax to help pay for road improvements.
Both chambers gave bipartisan support to the bill Tuesday, with the Senate voting 28-21 and the House 53-46. The plan would provide over $200 million annually for Iowa's network of bridges and roads, many of which are in disrepair.
For years, the Legislature has considered raising the tax, which has not been changed since 1989. But until this year, lawmakers never took action, despite heavy lobbying by groups representing farmers and trucking companies.
This session, Republican Gov. Terry Branstad voiced his backing for increased infrastructure funding, sparking a more serious conversation.