Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation hiking the state's gas tax by 23 cents to help pay for transportation projects.

The Republican signed the legislation on Friday, one week after the Democrat-led Legislature passed it.

The gas tax hike is set to go into effect Nov. 1.

It's the first time since 1988 that New Jersey's gas tax is being raised. The change means the state will have the sixth-highest gas tax in the nation, up from 49th before. It would remain lower than neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.

The legislation also includes cuts to the sales and estate taxes. The gas tax increase will go toward an eight-year, $16 billion transportation funding program.

Christie on Friday also rescinded an executive order that shut down transportation projects in the state.