NEW STATE GAS TAX WILL HELP LOCAL TOWN PATCH ROADS

Reporting by WVUA 23’s Julia Smith.

The first increase in Alabama’s new gas tax is set to take effect Sunday and the higher tariff could lead to major improvements for a west Alabama town.

The gas tax increase, which was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, is Alabama’s first tax increase in 27 years.

Alabama legislatures say the proceeds from the gas tax will go toward funding infrastructure improvements across the state, including in small towns like Gordo.

<p class=”x_MsoNormal”>Gordo Mayor Craig Patterson already has a plan for the extra revenue that will be generated by the higher tax.</p><p class=”x_MsoNormal”>“We have two small patch projects we will be working with the county on patching a couple of streets,” Patterson said.</p><p class=”x_MsoNormal”>Alabama’s gas tax will receive a 6-cent hike on Sunday and will then incrementally increase to 10 cents per gallon over the next 10 years.</p>