Poll: No consensus on transportation funding

People in the United States are divided over how to fund transportation and infrastructure projects, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released Tuesday.

Nearly 60 percent said they oppose raising the federal gas tax to fund projects to repair, replace or expand bridges and roads, the survey found. Only 14 percent said they support an increase.

More than two-thirds of Republicans said they oppose a gas tax hike as do more than half of Democrats.

{mosads}More people also oppose allowing private companies to subsidize the projects because that would result in more tolls.

The survey found 40 percent also oppose a usage tax based on the number of miles a vehicle drives. Only 20 percent support such a proposal. 

Less than a third said they support making state and local governments pay for these projects.

Despite the lack of agreement over how to fund improvements, 60 percent said good infrastructure outweighs costs to taxpayers. Nearly two out of three drivers said the benefits of good infrastructure outweigh the costs and even a majority of those who drive infrequently or not at all said road improvements are worthwhile.

The poll comes a week after Congress passed a $10.9 billion deal to keep transportation aid flowing to states. 

The survey polled 1,044 adults between July 24 and 28 with a 3.4 percentage point margin of error.