Several business groups from across the state have joined hands to support an increase in the gas tax as a way to fund improved roads.

The new coalition is called Businesses United for Improving Louisiana’s Development by Investing in Transportation (BUILD IT). Shreveport Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Timothy Magner says the local chamber voted to join the coalition as a way to bring improved infrastructure to our region.

 

Baton Rouge Area Chamber President Adam Knapp says BUILD IT will back proposals to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 17 cents a gallon to fund highway construction.

Knapp says it is imperative revenue is raised this session, because the state might not have another chance to up the gas tax until the fiscal session in 2021. The state has a $13 billion backlog of transportation needs.

 

 

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