Gas tax shortfall hits county

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 identi...