Bill Proposed to Increase Montana Gas Tax by a Nickel

A bill has been introduced in the Montana Legislature that would increase the state's gas tax by a nickel.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Wilson, of Missoula, is sponsoring House Bill 275.

The state gas tax is currently 27 cents a gallon. Federal tax adds an additional 18.4 cents per gallon.

Montana hasn't increased its state gas tax since 1994.

Under Wilson's proposal, 3 cents of the new tax would go to repair and maintenance for local roads and 2 cents would help fund public transportation, including additional bus routes between cities and increasing funding for DUI task forces.

Wilson tells KECI-TV that the transportation system in Montana is a mess and local roads desperately need repairs.

The hearing for the bill is set for next Wednesday in Helena.