States Raising Taxes, Fees and Debt to Pay for Road Repairs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly one-third of the states have approved measures this year that could collectively raise billions of dollars for transportation through higher fuel taxes, vehicle fees and bonds.

The surge of activity comes as Congress remains stalled on a long-term plan for funding highways. Before heading out on its August break, Congress instead passed its 34th short-term extension of the nation's transportation program since 2009. This year's new local action means more than half the states have now passed transportation funding measures since 2013.

The movement includes states from coast to coast in both Republican and Democratic areas. In many states, the money is going primarily to rebuilding old infrastructure. But some states also are funding projects designed to relieve traffic congestion