The Berkshire County town of Lee wants to become the first in Massachusetts to establish a municipal gas tax to help pay for infrastructure repairs, a request that if approved could pave the way for other communities to do the same.State Representative Smitty Pignatelli has filed a home-rule petition that would allow Lee to charge up to an additional 3 cents per gallon of gasoline sold in town. Lee, Exit 2 on the Mass Turnpike, has eight gas stations. The bill’s Senate cosponsor Ben Downing says it stems from frustration over the need for broad transportation investment.
“When communities can see where the dollars are going and can control those dollars they’re much more likely to support the taxes necessary to raise them,” said Downing.
If the measure is approved by the House and Senate, Lee voters would have the final say, potentially at the ballot box next year.
Downing and Pignatelli are also filing a bill that would allow all Massachusetts communities the option of enacting their own gas tax.
