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New Jersey Residents Divided Over Proposed 23-Cent Gas Tax Hike

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork)-- Sick of potholes? It seems some New Jersey lawmakers are too after proposing a gas tax increase to fund infrastructure projects.

Rutgers University Transportation Expert Martin Robbins told CBS2' Elise Finch the change is needed.

"We have spent out all of the resources we have on transportation improvements and the well is dry. And what we've gotta do is take a major step to refund and re-energize transportation funding," Robbins said.

The 23-cent increase will raise $2 billion a year, but it still may not be enough. Reaction from drivers was predictable.

"I think we pay enough in taxes," one Monmouth County resident said.

Others are skeptical.

"They say they want to fix roads with it. I'm all for fixing the roads, but the tax actually has to go to what its earmarked for. New Jersey doesn't have a good history of that," mechanic Doug King said.

Louis Carleo said if the roads are fixed that means less money he will have to put into his truck to fix flat tires.

"In the long-run it's more than worth it. Cut down on accidents... wear and tear on vehicles," he said.

Some opponents said the added tax will hurt working families, but Robert Briant, president of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association, said it will increase business.

"All the labor from New Jersey, most firms are local family firms-- a big boom to economy," he said.

Gas tax advocates argue that New Jersey residents wouldn't bear the full burden and that some of those funds would come from out-of-staters filling up on their way through.

A report by the American Civil Engineers gave New Jersey a D- and estimated 42 percent of New Jersey's roadways are deficient and roughly 11 bridges need to be replaced.

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