ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland's Senate President is proposing the idea of allowing county governments to raise Maryland's gas tax by up to 5 cents for local transportation needs.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller mentioned the idea Thursday along with several other ideas he has pitched this week to help Maryland raise badly needed transportation revenue. The proposal would enable county officials to add on to the state's 23.5-cents gas tax, which hasn't been raised since 1992.
Miller, a Calvert County Democrat, also is suggesting lawmakers consider a 3 percent sales tax on gas statewide to raise roughly $300 million.
The Senate president also is recommending the state consider selling or leasing the Intercounty Connector and creating local transit authorities that could raise revenue for rail projects.