Grants Pass, Ore. — Grants Pass is looking at becoming the first southern Oregon city… with a gas tax.
According to Assistant City Manager David Reeves, the proposed gas tax would either be one, two or three cents per gallon depending on what the city council decides.
“I would pay a little extra to see the roads upgraded and better driving conditions,” Grants Pass resident George Masters said.
The city of Grants Pass is considering a gas tax.
“As people come through and pay their gas tax, they’re actually participating in keeping the roads in good shape,” Reeves said.
Reeves says the tax would fund transportation including road improvements, repairs and new construction.
It’s something Grants Pass resident George Masters thinks could be a good idea.
“I think that it’s about time that we all in the southern Oregon area realize we’re gonna have to step up and start paying our own way for the benefits we enjoy as citizens here,” Masters said.
According to Reeves, the last time Grants Pass considered a gas tax was eight years ago.
If approved, it would be the first in the Rogue Valley to have one.
But Reeves says the idea is that Grants Pass residents wouldn’t be the only ones paying the tax.
“It’s a good way of spreading the costs of transportation – the people who buy gas are actually the ones using the roads – so i think it’s a good method,” Reeves said.
Reeves says the current money for street improvements comes from the state and street utility.
But he says the city needs to have a local match.
Gas tax or not, Masters thinks the Grants Pass roads need some work.
“I think we need some roads fixed up, yes. And we’re gonna have to find a way to fund it,” Masters said.
Grants Pass city council will be considering the feasibility of the proposed gas tax April 3rd.
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