A group representing 40 mayors in Middle Tennessee is urging Governor Haslam and state lawmakers to find new sources of revenue to pay for transportation needs. Haslam, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and others have acknowledged that Tennessee's antiquated road funding system needs to be updated, but none has taken the reins on making a specific proposal.

The state's gas tax that funds most of the Tennessee's road program has not been increased in 25 years. Tennessee currently taxes 21.4 cents per gallon of fuel, providing the state with $657.8 million in yearly revenue. Local governments collect 7.9 cents of the per-gallon share, the Tennessee Department of Transportation collects 12.8 cents and the remaining portion goes to the state's general fund.

SOURCE: Partner station WMSR - Manchester