Colorado governor John Hickenlooper has asked for a tax increase to help cover the annual $1 billion shortage in road construction and maintenance funding. According to Hickenlooper, neglecting to maintain Colorado's infrastructure will eventually lead to a slowdown in the economic growth it has been seeing, ABC 13 reported.

"Look at a neighboring state like Utah," said Hickenlooper. "It has among the best roads but it is taxed more than we are. They've raised their gas tax twice since we last raised ours and they have a sales tax dedicated to transportation.

"…We're going to need some modest increase," Hickenlooper continued. "I don't think it's going to be as big as some people are saying."

Though in his final term, Hickenlooper said getting a tax increase passed would be one of his administration's biggest feats, ABC 13 reported.

According to State Sen. Michael Merrifield, the tax could take the form of a sales tax, a gas tax, a mileage fee issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation, or some combination.

Today's top stories

Iconic Hotel Being Demolished to Make Way for Baseball Stadium

MD 4 Project to Add Diamond Interchange

Volvo Construction Equipment Showcases New Products at North American Volvo Days

VIDEO: Anniversary of Highway Workers' Memorial Renews Calls for Work Zone Safety

Yanmar Compact Equipment Introduces New Line of Branded Attachments for Compact Track Loaders

Caterpillar Introduces Dynamic Energy Transfer Solution for Battery, Diesel-Electric Mining Equipment

Five Finalists Compete for Grand Prize Makeover in Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest

VIDEO: Students From Washington, Ohio Earn Top Honors in Annual ARTBA Transportation Video Contest