NJ residents skeptical gas tax money would go toward fixing state roads

New Jersey lawmakers have postponed a vote to decide whether or not to raise the state's gas tax 23 cents as a means to fund transportation projects. But some New Jersey residents say that they are skeptical

News 12 Staff

Jul 1, 2016, 6:57 AM

Updated 3,020 days ago

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New Jersey lawmakers have postponed a vote to decide whether or not to raise the state's gas tax 23 cents as a means to fund transportation projects. But some New Jersey residents say that they are skeptical that the money would ever be used for its intended purposes.
Short Hills drivers say that Route 124 is the perfect candidate for some road work.
"Its's a gamble every day. I don't know what pothole's been covered," says resident Carolyn McCarthy.
McCarthy and many other residents say that they don't wholeheartedly support a gas tax hike to fix the state's roads. Many say that taxes in New Jersey are already unaffordable and high, and the money should be found elsewhere.
There are others who say that they doubt the money will go to fix the roads.
"I have no faith that's where it's going to end up," says Morrene Jacobs.
Jacobs says that she's been disappointed once before while living in Atlantic City. She says her tax dollars were supposed to help pay to fix things, but that did not happen.
"Atlantic City was the example of what happens when the government raises taxes," she says.
The state Department of Transportation says that Route 124 in Essex County will be worked on later this year. However, if the Transportation Trust Fund runs out of money, that project could be in jeopardy.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says that crumbling roads have cost drivers over $600 a year on average. The group supports proposals to replenish the transportation fund.