Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX - A drop in statewide gas taxes – due to less driving during the stay-at-home orders – has led to a $1.2 million shortfall in gas tax so far this year coming to Whitman County.
The county usually receives about $4.5 million annually as its share of gas sales from throughout Washington.
Because of this, the Whitman County Public Works Department has decided to cancel one of two bridge replacement projects planned for this summer and cut annual chip-sealing miles from 25 to 18-19. Chip-sealing waterproofs and puts new wear-course down on paved roads.
"These are the two things we've identified to pull back right away," said Storey.
Replacement of the Belmont Bridge on Black Road will be held off for another year while the wood bridge at Warner Road east of Oakesdale will go forward with replacement.
The 25 percent drop in gas tax proceeds comes after Whitman County voters approved a road levy lid lift last November.
"I wish I could thank everyone who voted for it," Storey said. "That has made it so we haven't had to take drastic measures such as laying people off."
The county receives about double the total gas tax generated here each year. The rest comes from shared taxes from higher-populated areas like Puget Sound.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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