High Gas Prices May Lead to Poor Pennsylvania Roads

January 2009

In Western Pennsylvania, winter weather brings a number of driving hazards, including potholes. The state has warned local communities, however, that last summer's high gas prices may mean that there will not be enough money to repair dangerous PA roads.

Thirty-one cents of every gallon of gas purchased in Pennsylvania goes to the state in taxes. Some of that money eventually pays for things like road repairs. As gas prices hit $4 a gallon last summer, drivers bought less of it, which means less money went to the state and fewer dollars will be invested in local municipalities.

The state says that the monetary shortfall totals $11 million. In April, each community will find out how much money it will receive for road repairs.