Builders Association looks to raise gas taxes

Monday, April 24, 2000 | 4:48 a.m.

The money would go to build and repair roads. In 1993, the Regional Transportation Commission determined the Reno area would be $660 million short for road projects by 2015.

Robert Jones, association executive officer, said developers are holding up their end and are on track to contribute $227 million for roads needed because of new development.

Taxpayers pay $176 million through a 5-cent-a-gallon gas tax. A quarter-cent sales tax hike in 1994 would have contributed $222 million.

If the public doesn't pay more, builders might stop paying their fees to offset new development, he said.

"I don't really want to use that card heavy with the public," Jones said. "But the reality is the developers have a right to say, 'Whoa, you can't keep charging it if you don't hold up your side of it."'

Motorists now pay about 32 cents a gallon in state and local gas taxes in Washoe County.

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