MEC Calls for More Transportation Funding

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Mississippi’s state chamber of commerce says the state needs to spend another $375 million a year to fix decaying bridges and roads.

In a report released Friday, the Mississippi Economic Council calls for the state Department of Transportation to receive another $300 million a year, while cities and counties would split $75 million.

The report suggests that lawmakers consider higher fuel taxes, license plate fees, rental car taxes or general sales taxes.

MEC pledges that it’s going to create a lobbying campaign that it calls Excelerate Mississippi to push for action. But it’s unclear how Mississippi’s largely Republican leadership will receive the call for higher taxes and more spending. Though not precisely ruling them out, Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov Tate Reeves have both been cool to tax increases.