DES MOINES (KWWL) -
An Iowa House panel has approved increased taxes on fuel and new vehicles to support road repairs.
The five-member panel has unanimously approved the plan on Monday. The plan would increase the state's fuel tax by 8 cents a gallon and increase the taxes paid when purchasing a new vehicle, generating an estimated $230 million annually.
The fuel tax would increase by 4 cents in 2013 and 4 cents in 2014.
Republican Rep. Dave Tjepkes of Gowrie says the state needs about $250 million more each year to keep the state's roads in good condition. The current fuel tax of 21 cents per gallon hasn't increased since 1988.
A Senate committee has also approved a measure raising the fuel tax by 10 cents a gallon.
