Per-mile tax should be constitutionally protected for highways only

The Washington State Transportation Commission, which has led the effort to study, test and report back to the Legislature on the feasibility of a road-usage charge, agrees the money drivers would pay should be protected for highway spending only.

If implemented, a road-use charge — also called a mileage-based user fee, per-mile charge, vehicle miles traveled tax, and mileage tax — would require drivers to pay a tax on every mile they drive, rather than on every gallon of gas they purchase.

The commission met recently to assess the charge and discuss recommendations. It will vote on final reco...