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SC lawmakers propose raising gas tax by 10 cents

Rock Hill state Rep. Gary Simrill is among several lawmakers sponsoring a road repair bill that includes a gas tax increase, which would raise South Carolina’s low gas prices.

The proposal, which was introduced Wednesday, would raise South Carolina’s gas tax 2 cents a year for five years, resulting in a 10-cent tax increase at the end of five years.

"South Carolina will still be the cheapest in gas taxes in the southeast. That helps us from a competitive standpoint. What it will enable us to do is certainly make our roadways safer," Simrill said.

[LINK: Gas Price Tracker]

The bill would also require drivers who move to South Carolina and register their vehicles to pay a $250 fee.

“If South Carolina can get better roads? Two cents a year is nothing,” North Carolina resident Priscilla Harris said.

The proposal is meant to help fix decaying roads in the state.

The sponsors of the bill said it removes the burden from taxpayers to foot the bill to pay for bad roads. Instead, everyone who drives through the state will help pay to fix the state’s crumbling infrastructure, they said.

State House leaders estimate that the plan would raise $600 million a year for roadwork. There is no clear timeline for when drivers could see the increase.

John Gendron, a small business owner who operates eight company trucks, said if the bill passes, it will have a direct impact on his business.

“Over the grand scheme of things, it's not that much money to an individual,” Harris said. “Now if you are buying a lot of gasoline for your trucks, yeah, it amounts to a significant amount of money. But I use those roads and I don't mind paying for that.”

Channel 9 has covered issues with roads in South Carolina over the past few years.

Rep. Gary Simrill, of York County, said it a big problem and why it is crucial the state invests more into fixing roads and bridges.

“South Carolina will still be the cheapest in gas taxes in the southeast. that helps us from a competitive standpoint. what it will enable us to do is certainly make our roadways safer,” Simrill said.

Simrill said the increase on gas is among several other fee hikes included in the bill.

In the end, it's expected to generate $600 million for infrastructure.

The bill was just introduced in the house Wednesday.

The House passed a road-funding plan that included a gas tax increase in 2015, but it was blocked by the Senate.

If this bill is passed, Simrill said there is no clear timeline of when drivers could see the increase at the pump.

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