EARLY, Iowa (KTIV) -
For decades, the dream, for many, has been to make US Highway 20 in northern Iowa a four-lane from Dubuque to Sioux City. But finding the money to build it has been an issue.
Right now, about 230 miles of the about 310 mile project is complete. There's a gap of two-lanes remaining between Moville and Rockwell City. Money has been planned by the Iowa DOT to transform most of that distance, except for about 35 miles between Early and Correctionville.
"It's within sight, but we aren't going to let up until that last mile is completed," said Ann Trimble-Ray with the US 20 Corridor Association.
The association, who's been committed to the project for decades, thinks gas might be what they need to get 20 done. Specifically, a hike in Iowa's gas tax. Right now, there's a bill that would raise the cost of fuel in Iowa 8 cents per gallon by 2014.
The state would make bank from the bill, about $23 million a year for every cent gas is raised. Couple that with the bill's proposed 1% increase in car registration fees and you have a total of $220 million in revenue.
DOT officials say that money would be used to fill a $215 million annual shortfall in "critical needs".
"Critical needs would be maintaining the roadways in the condition they are now, upgrading our bridges and other infrastructure," said DOT representative Dakin Schultz.
While 20 might not qualify as the most "critical" need, the hope is the additional money would loosen a tight budget belt, freeing up some funds to finish the project.
"Highway 20 does benefit, because we are going to have sufficient revenue to meet the needs that are out there," said Trimble-Ray.
The last time Iowa's gas tax was raised was in the late 1980's. Currently, it's $.21 per gallon. Nebraska's is a little higher $.26 per gallon. And South Dakota's tax on a gallon of gasoline is $.22.
