• Home
• Introduction
• News
• The Interstate System
  • Fascinating Facts
  • Today in History
  • History of the System
  • Pioneers
  • Images
    • KS Turnpike–ODOT
    • MoDOT
    • NJDOT
    • PennDOT
    • PA Turnpike
  • Research
  • Library
  • News Room
• Events
  • Kick-Off
  • Convoy
    • Map and Schedule
    • GPS Tracking
    • Photos
    • Blogs
    • Participants
    • Vehicles
  • Policy Forum
  • State Celebrations
• Resources
  • Sponsorship
  • State Sponsors
  • Links
  • For States
• Contact Us

Today in Interstate History

March 1, 1982

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Drew Lewis, speaking at the annual convention of the American Road and Transportation Builders in Phoenix, Arizona, underscored the need for the first federal gasoline tax increase in over two decades. The revenue from that increase would be used in part to help restore deteriorating highways and bridges, including those within the Interstate System. About 10 months after Lewis's speech in Phoenix, a five-cents-per-gallon tax increase was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan as the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (see January 6).