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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate passed an amended gas tax after a brief presentation Monday evening.
The new gas tax, proposed in SB276, would impose a rate 16.5 percent on the statewide average price per gallon and would set a base price of $1.78 per gallon to maintain Utah roads.
The proposed tax would take effect in 2019.
The tax would adjust with inflation by applying a calculation of the consumer price index on gasoline.
"The purpose of this renewal is to maintain what we currently have and not have inflation wearing us down," said Sen. Kevin Van Tassell, R-Vernal, the bill's sponsor.
Van Tassell said the 2019 implementation would result in roughly $4.5 million in additional revenue.
The roughly 70 percent of tax revenues that typically go to the transportation fund will be evenly split between the general fund and the transportation commission, he said.
The new gas tax would work for the next 10 to 15 years with the adjusted price index, Van Tassell said.
The Senate passed the bill with a 26-2 vote, moving it to the House for further consideration.
— Ryan Morgan
