TRENTON – The Senate today approved a proposed constitutional amendment, sponsored by Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Joseph V. Doria, that would seek voter approval to change the dedication of the motor fuels tax from 9 cents to 10.5 cents per gallon to be used solely for transportation projects throughout New Jersey.
“New Jersey voters are being asked to back a dedication of existing gasoline tax revenues so an additional $78 million in pay-as-you-go funding will be available every year for needed improvements to roads, bridges and bus and rail transit operations,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union.
“Our commitment now to transportation projects will help fight potential gridlock problems for our children and grandchildren,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson. “It makes sense to provide a stable source of funding for the necessities of transportation flow and repairs.”
The proposed amendment, SCR-78, was approved 38-0 and sent to the Assembly. If enacted, it will be placed on the election ballot this November. It is part of the Corzine Administration’s plan to renew the Transportation Trust Fund which has provided billions of dollars in transportation enhancements since it was first created in 1984.