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Ga. leaders united on transportation action
But mum on details
Transportation Fundin Ledb
Gov. Nathan Deal speaks at the 2015 Eggs & Issues Breakfast at the 2015 Eggs & Issues Breakfast in Atlanta Tuesday. Georgia's three leading political figures gave their unequivocal support Tuesday to the growing push in the state Legislature to raise new revenue for transportation improvements, setting up a decisive debate over just how to raise the funds. Gov. Nathan Deal, House Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle all voiced outspoken support for the need to raise funds to maintain and expand the state's system of roads and rail, which could require at least $1 billion in new money each year. - photo by Associated Press
ATLANTA — Georgia's top leaders were united on Tuesday: Something must be done this year to pay for the state's transportation needs. But as lawmakers completed their second day at the Capitol, it remained unclear exactly where they will find an estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion to maintain Georgia's roads, highways and bridges or millions more to expand. A study committee last year gave lawmakers multiple options to support transportation needs, including a 1-cent sales tax, shifting millions of dollars from the general fund to transportation, increasing the state motor fuel tax or charging a "user fee" to get some revenue from electric car owner who don't pay gas taxes.
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