Bredesen: Won't Raise Gas Tax

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Gov. Phil Bredesen said he won't seek to increase the state's gas tax as a way to bolster Tennessee's ability to build and repair roads.

The state's road fund is struggling because people have been driving less amid high gas prices and a worsening economy.

Bredesen told reporters Tuesday that he's not looking to hike taxes of any kind, including the state's current 21.4-cent tax on each gallon of gas.

The governor said in general it's a terrible time to be asking people to pay more taxes, considering national economic conditions.

State Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely said his department is $10 million below budget through the first quarter of the budget year, mainly because of decreased vehicle miles traveled in the state.

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