Area drivers will pay an estimated 7 cents more per gallon for gasoline to fund improvements to Interstate 81.

Legislators accepted the new regional tax as part of a budget amendment offered by Gov. Ralph Northam.

The improvement laundry list, crafted through a series of public hearings up and down the I-81 corridor in the past year, originally were to be funded by tolls along the interstate. Legislation to that effect was unveiled by Northam, Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave and Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, shortly before the start of this year's General Assembly session.

But the tolling plan in that bill was roadkill after trucking companies complained, leaving the a bill full of intent and devoid of funding.

Then came Northam's amendment to the bill, restoring funding but from different sources. That's what cleared the General Assembly on Wednesday with trucking industry support.

Motorists along the I-81 corridor will pay a special 2.1% fuel tax, which is estimated to raise gas prices by 7 cents per gallon. Truck registration and the statewide diesel fuel tax also will increase.

The amendments provide $151 million in dedicated funding for the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan, according to a release from the governor. The amendments mean the $2 billion, multi-year program approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in December 2018 will be implemented, while also generating revenue for interstates across the Commonwealth, the release said.

The improvements include truck lanes, longer ramps, rest areas and other traffic flow adjustments that are far less expensive than widening the entire highway.

“We can’t wait another year to find a solution — I am pleased to offer amendments that will establish dedicated funding sources to support improvements that will lead to a major reduction in crashes and travel delays," said Northam in the release last week.

Opponents said the legislature was rushing through a major tax hike without sufficient public input.

The General Assembly accepted the governor's amendments to Senate Bill 1716 and House Bill 2718.

Originally, the bill was stripped of the funding mechanisms in its substitute bill in late January. The only item left was the provisions to allow funding sources for the interstate to be studied for an additional year.

The amendments also establish funding for other Virginia interstates: Interstate 95, Interstate 64 and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

I-95 will be allocated $40 million

I-64 will be allocated $28 million

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority will be allocated $20 million

$43 million is reserved for investment in other interstates as prioritized by the Commonwealth Transportation Board

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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You can reach reporter Laura Peters at lpeters@newsleader.com. Follow her @peterslaura.