UDOT chief floats gas-tax change

The Association of General Contractors, which represents most of the large construction companies that build the state's roads and bridges, told the commissioners Wednesday that they support raising the current tax by 10 cents by increasing it over time as inflation increases. Njord said the increase could generate $140 million, but not all that money ends up in UDOT pockets. It is shared among counties and cities.

"I think it will be hard for legislators to agree to a gas tax increase," Njord said.

Meantime, transportation commissioners are hopeful that President-elect Barack Obama will advocate for a stimulus package for states of more than $500 billion over two years to provide 2.5 million jobs by investing in the nation's infrastructure. UDOT would apply for the money. "Hopefully, we'll be able to ramp up some of the projects," Commissioner Meghan Holbrook said.

E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com