New Britain herald., 1926-05-05
AUTO AND GAS TAXES
FOR HIGHWAYS

,ha existing ! Highway system within the next ten years? Tax Comm.s- s5onar William H. B,oIge,t an adept at figures and tax 7osstbul- ties, voices an apparent doubt as 10 the source of the large sums needed. Highway Commissioner John A. Mcdonald, it will be re- memberad. recently startled the state by declaring reconstruction Of existing highways in the state would eat up 570,Q9aoo0 within the next ten years - or $7,o00000 & year for this purpose alone.
 Easing deductions regarding tn future upon present income does not greatly clarity the situation, 1Ir. Blodgatt says &GQoo,o09 was raised for highways during 12-5 through motor vehicle fees, fines and gasoline ta1as. As the two- cent gasoline tax only began July 1 last there will be notable in erase during 1926 from this source alone - probably $1ooo,- 0a8 additional. Increase os motor vehicles in Use likewise will boost inc teas accru.ns to the state from this source. The state probably can look forward to more than 2T060,- 900 Tor highways from automobiles and the gasoline tax this year.
 But 1Ir. Hlodsett tampers his diagnosis and dampens our opu- mizm by adding that the money from these sources last year amounted to only C5 per cent of inc sum needed for construction ot new highways. That, ot course, ac- counts for the delay in construct ing many highways in which mo- to-ists are interested and which . have been authorized by the Lesis- ,a.ure.
 Motorists throughout tho state feel they arc paying plenty for new . highways, although there may be a difference between how they feel about it and the actual facts. Each motorist travels about 5,58o miles a year in Connccucut or 15 1-3 miles a day, which yields the state SI27 per year each in gasoline ] taxes. This does not reach the total actually gathered in from this . source by the state last year, the difference being due to gasoline taxes paid by foreign" motor cars from other states. totalling about S39o,0o0 wlich they contributed for using Connecticut roads last year.
 But compare the income of the state from these sources with the possible outgo. The highway com missioner says 2QG miles Of high way should he built within the next two years. This would take, at an approximate average Of $GQ,000 a mile, $l2.3GoQo0 Of state money.  The not mileage of highways in tho state being 2.do5-beIng composed Of 1.4a0 miles included within the trunk lines and 300 miles therein not Yet built - it can be seen that . if extensive widonings and re- . building Of existing trunk highways is to take place, in addition to the construction Of new mileage, there isn't enough money in sight to meet the requirements unless the state resorts to the issuance Of road bonds - something that is hated like poison in Hartford.
 There has been q tendency throughout the entire country to increase the gasoline taxes in such states having them. They invariably began with one cent a gallon, have gone up to two cents a gallon, and in some few states having large road-buidug programs have gone 10 five coul5 a gallon. No one need he surprised 10 discover that in fu- . ture years the gasoline tax will be . increased in many states, and the same may be done in Connecticut. Fees may also be increased, If the highway commissioner tells the legislature rAe new roads needed
 can be built in no other way, and . as motorists throughout the state
 s.eu 10 ha a unit for more, better and wl.er highways, it is dollars tc
 WoEes tHaa some such increased taxation of taa motorists vii.
 rtea-uata. Either this or somC
 o.b.r method Of paying for tho
 roads needed. In the long run, nc mat,ur what method is adopted, thu
 r.e--e who usa the 1iElwoys-in.
 auItu- urar.v every family in th'
 4a..-w.l pay for the roads any
 Eag.