The head of the Missouri Department of Transportation hopes a ballot measure intended to increase the motor fuel tax is passed by voters and is used on crucial projects.
MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna says I-270 in St. Louis is in the worst condition of any state highway and needs attention quickly because of the amount of freight it carries.
McKenna contends the hike simply makes up for the rate of inflation since the motor fuel tax was last increased in 1996.
Approval of the measure would bring more than $400 million for state and local road projects and establish a fund to address traffic bottlenecks that affect freight. The proposal is being argued in court.
