Governor Says He Will Sign Transportation Funding Proposal

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal says he looks forward to signing a transportation funding bill aimed at raising $900 million.

Deal says in a statement on Wednesday that the plan will meet Georgia's short and long-term needs. Lawmakers approved the bill late Tuesday night after a committee spent days negotiating the compromise.

It replaces the state's mix of taxes on gasoline to a 26 cents-per-gallon excise tax dedicated to transportation costs. The proposal also creates new charges on electric vehicles, heavy trucks and a $5 per night fee on hotel and motel stays.

Deal says the "landmark" bill is essential to Georgia's economy and safety on the roads. He says changes to gasoline taxes were necessary because cars have become more efficient since the last increase in the 1970s.

Tags: Governor Nathan Deal, transportation bill, transportation bill signing, gov. nathan deal to sign transportation bill