Community Corner
Smith: Motorists Will Soon See 'Fruits Of Their Taxes'
Acting Transportation Secretary Jim Smith says many projects wouldn't happen without the tax increase that went into effect July 1.
By Bryan P. Sears
Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary Jim Smith said Maryland motorists will benefit from the increased gas taxes they are now paying.
"I do think that people across the state and in the Baltimore metropolitan area specifically will see the fruits of their taxes," Smith said Friday in an interview on WBAL Radio.
Gas taxes in the state increased by 3.5 cents on July 1. Motorists also will be paying more to use the Harbor and Fort McHenry Tunnels, The Key and Bay Bridge and other toll bridges in Maryland.
Gas prices typically decline in the summer. Over the last week, the average retail price of regular unleaded gas dropped by about 4 cents per gallon, according to Christine Delise, a spokeswoman for AAA Maryland.
Delise said the decreases might initially mask the state gas tax increase.
Smith agreed.
"I actually think they're not rally going to be able to follow that after the immediate hype is over as to the taxes going into effect because of the fluctuations, the great fluctuations of gas depending upon where you are," Smith said.
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