Tax Increase for Roads Backed in Poll

Americans would support a 1% tax increase to pay for smooth streets with no potholes, a new poll found.

A report on infrastructure needs and environmental improvements indicated that 69% of the 800 people surveyed would be "very willing" to pay more in taxes for smoother roads, and 62% would support a tax increase to eliminate road congestion.

The poll found that 38% think their local roads, bridges and highways have improved over the past five years. But 31% said no much progress had been made, and 30 % said roads had gotten worse.

The poll was released by the Rebuild America Coalition, a group of 70 associations and interest groups representing state and local governments and the construction and transportation industries.