Comparison Reports
Projected State by State Comparison - December 2007 (pdf 216 Kb)
Throughout the country, state and local governments impose a variety of “cents-per-gallon” taxes and taxes based on the retail or wholesale price of fuel. Some states also impose other environmental or business taxes that translate into cents-per-gallon charges at the pump. To determine how Washington compares, the Washington State Department of Transportation analyzes data from other states, semi-annually, to learn what taxes are imposed on fuel used by cars and trucks traveling on the nation’s roads
County by County Comparison Report - August 2005 (pdf 416 Kb)
How much will citizens get back for each state & federal transportation dollar
compared to what they will contribute over the next 10 years?
Gas Tax Revenue and Distribution
2007-2009 Biennium Gas Tax Revenue Distribution Pie Chart -February 2008 (pdf 20 Kb)
The 18th amendment to the Washington State Constitution dedicates motor fuel tax collections to “highway purposes.” Revenue generated from the gas tax is distributed to counties, cities and state accounts. The state receives about half of the total revenues collected. These are the funds which support the WSDOT highway programs as well as the Washington State Ferry System, which is deemed a state highway system by constitution. Highway construction, maintenance, preservation, administration and debt service on highway construction bonds are all funded by these revenues.
The other half of the fuel tax revenues are distributed directly to cities, counties and other agencies for roadway programs that are not part of the state highway system.