Bills would up gas, registration costs

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Motorists would pay more in taxes at the gas pump and when they renew vehicle registrations through new legislation designed to raise about $1 billion for Michigan's roads.

The bipartisan legislation introduced Thursday in the Legislature effectively would have motorists paying about 9 cents more in gas-related taxes per gallon than they do now. A tax tied to the wholesale price of gas, translating to about 28 cents per gallon, would replace the state's 19-cents-per gallon gas tax.

Annual vehicle registration fees would climb by 67 percent, an average of roughly $60 per vehicle. The increase would vary based on worth of vehicle.

The proposals could be altered as supporters try to win approval in the Republican-led Legislature. Some lawmakers likely will be hesitant to raise fees or taxes.