4-Cent Per Gallon Tax Increase Goes Into Effect In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — As drivers across the state hit the road for an expected busy Fourth of July weekend, those in Lake County will notice a 4-cent per gallon tax increase at the pump. The tax hike was approved by the Lake County Board in March, reported by Lake and McHenry County Scanner, with the intent to provide an estimated $10 million dollars each year in new transportation infrastructure investments. It officially went into effect on Thursday.

Among the proposed investments are railroad grade separations, road widening, safer turn lanes and other improvements "aimed to reduce congestion, carbon emissions and improve traffic safety."

4th Of July Weekend Weather: Dry, Sunny, Temps In The 90s For IL

An initial increase of eight cents per gallon for the Lake County Fuel Tax was dropped to four cents after strong opposition from members of the board. According to the ordinance, which passed by a vote of 5 to 2, the funds collected from this tax shall be used by Lake County solely for operating constructing, and improving public highways and waterways, and acquiring real property and rights-of-way for public highways and waterways within Lake County.

The tax hike comes at a time when gasoline prices in Illinois are the highest they've been since July 2019, when the state gas tax doubled to 38 cents, reports Center Square Illinois, a Patch media partner. At that time, lawmakers put in place an automatic gas tax hike tied to inflation.