Locke's proposal might have a harder time with the public than it already faces in the politically gridlocked Legislature. The money would target traffic chokepoints. Toma, an environmental specialist, said he also favors public transit, which Locke's tax plan would help out. But the no votes are in the majority, according to The Elway Poll. A February survey of 400 registered voters statewide found that 70 percent opposed a gasoline tax increase and 65 percent opposed a wholesale tax increase on gas, pollster Stuart Elway said.
Most voters say they prefer use taxes for transportation improvements.
Lawmakers say the state's transportation situation is an emergency, as Senate Transportation Committee Chairwoman Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, said Friday. Haugen said that The Boeing Co. and other firms have complained about the lack of mobility for their goods, materials and people. It costs money to build HOV lanes. It costs money to build ferries. But some motorists say they are skeptical of the state's needs for money, and they don't trust the state to make good use of the tax dollars.