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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Millions in tax revenue from Idaho cigarette sales is closer to being redirected toward Idaho's highways and depleted aquifers.
The House voted 63-4 Friday for the measure.
For years, cigarette taxes totaling around $40 million annually helped retire bonds for the $130 million Idaho Capitol renovation.
That's in addition to cancer programs, state buildings and juvenile probation.
But with the Capitol bonds nearly paid off, there's a scramble for the newly available money.
According to Friday's bill that now goes to the Senate, $5 million from taxes on smokes would fund Idaho Department of Water Resources efforts aimed at recharging the depleted Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.
Another $4.7 million will help retire highway construction bonds.
And about $7 million that's left over after that in 2015 will cover road maintenance.
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