2012 Called Crucial Year For Maryland Gas Tax

Business leaders told support for hike dwindles as election nears

If Maryland is to raise significant new revenue to meet its backlog of transportation needs — most likely through a higher gas tax — 2012 is the year it must be done, a leading lawmaker told a gathering of Baltimore business leaders Monday.

Speaking at the Greater Baltimore Committee's annual transportation summit, state Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola warned that any political will to raise money for highways, transit and other transportation needs will dwindle as legislators approach the 2014 state elections.

"They're going to be even more skittish as we get to 2013 and 2014," the Montgomery County Democrat said.

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