Like California (earlier post), Eugene, OR is trying to figure out how to fund its highway repairs. In 2002, the City Council tried to implement a pay-per-trip surcharge—the Transportation System Maintenance Fee (TSFM).  The charge would have cost households an estimated $2.90 a month and businesses between $20 and $1,150 a month.

Opposition was swift, the council repealed the assessment before it could begin, and replaced it in 2003 with a $0.03/gallon gasoline tax surcharge. Now more is needed.

The City Manager is proposing a further $0.02/gallon tax surcharge. The Chamber of Commerce, which strongly opposed the TSFM, has given conditional support to the new surcharge.

I’m sure this funding need and accommpanying struggle to find a way to generate the revenue is replicated in states and cities all over the country. Makes you realize the single-minded leadership—and sales prowess—that would be required to push through a carbon tax.