Washington’s gas tax is going up, but state transportation revenue is falling short

Washington state is set to raise its gas tax by 1.1 cents per gallon starting next week, marking the first of annual inflationary adjustments mandated by a 2025 law. Despite this increase, which brings the fuel tax to 56.5 cents per gallon, the state's transportation revenue is still falling short of what's needed for major infrastructure projects. This situation highlights the challenges in funding essential road and bridge repairs, suggesting that while the tax hike aims to address these issues, it may not fully bridge the funding gap. The ongoing struggle underscores the broader dilemma faced by many states in balancing fiscal responsibilities with infrastructure needs.