November 19, 2008 DiMasi throws his weight behind gas tax hike Play video

(NECN: John Moroney, Boston, Mass.) - Will it be tolls or taxes? That's the emerging choice in the battle over how to pay for the Big Dig. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has given initial approval to steep toll increases on the Mass Pike inside Route 128. House Speaker Sal DiMasi says those increases are "excessive." He's pushing for an increase in the state gasoline tax.

The Speaker says it would be a fairer method of paying off Big Dig debt than doubling some tolls on the Mass Pike.

DiMasi released this statement today:

"Six months ago, I first suggested the Commonwealth consider increasing the gasoline tax to help offset future toll increases or to possibly allow the removal of tolls on parts of the Massachusetts Turnpike, bridges and tunnels which unfairly place the burden of the Big Dig on the people who live west and north of Boston.

Given the excessive proposal now on the table for doubling some tolls, one that will cost drivers in certain areas hundreds of dollars more each year just to get to work, I believe we must seriously consider alternatives like a gas tax increase. The fact is, the Massachusetts gas tax is below the national average and, while we would all prefer not to burden drivers with any new cost in difficult times, I believe the gas tax is a fairer way to share our costs and it should be fully considered before any tolls are increased.

I also urge transportation officials to put forward proposals that will help

cut costs such as high?speed tolling programs and will urge the Legislature to move quickly in January on comprehensive, long?term solutions to make our transportation bureaucracy far more efficient."

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says he'd consider a hike in the gas tax, but doesn't think it could be accomplished in time to prevent a toll increase.