Consider alternatives before raising gas tax

There has been a lot of discussion lately about increasing the gas tax to pay for hundreds of millions of dollars to repair Iowa's dilapidated roads and bridges. How about some alternatives? Many states have toll roads. Why couldn't that be done here? Those who use them the most would pay for their maintenance.

What has happened to the offer of federal funding of passenger rail service from Iowa City to Chicago and perhaps to Des Moines and Omaha? Is our governor still “studying” the issue? The president has put forth a transportation bill that would fund the repair of the nation's roads and bridges including Iowa. Our senators and representatives should be behind this 100 percent.

I will vote no for any increase in the gas tax until these other alternatives are considered. You should, too.

Stan Younce

Cedar Rapids