Proposed Washoe gas tax passes

The Nevada Senate voted 20-1 to approve a voter-endorsed measure to raise motor fuel tax rates in Washoe County.

SB201, now on its way to the Assembly, would authorize the Washoe County Commission to enact the tax increase.

Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, cast the lone "no" vote. She said the measure lacked a "sunset" clause that would require another legislative vote on the plan in 2011, and also said the tax comes at a time when the state's economy already is distressed.

"Costs will be passed on to consumers who have to pay for goods that are transported," Cegavske said.

In November, 55 percent of Washoe County voters approved an advisory question to allow local transportation officials to ask lawmakers for the gasoline and diesel fuel tax hike to generate $2.6 billion for road projects over the next 30 years.