With cars becoming more fuel-efficient, the revenue from gasoline taxes is declining, leaving New Hampshire with inadequate funds to maintain roads and bridges, according to state Rep. Norman Major (R-Plaistow), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

A proposed 50% increase in turnpike tolls - the first systemwide hike in 10 years - would speed up existing reconstruction projects on Interstate 293 in Manchester, N.H., in Concord, N.H. and on the Seacoast; fund new projects; and eliminate the two ramp tolls at the F.E. Everett Turnpike exits in Merrimack, N.H. according to a new state report.

A civil engineering association gave New Hampshire a C-minus for its infrastructure, recommending spending hundreds of millions of dollars for upgrades.

New Hampshire’s 10-year, $3.8 billion highway improvement plan was approved by the House Public Works and Highways Committee on March 2.

The tax on diesel and gas in New Hampshire will increase by 4 cents starting July 1, after Gov. Maggie Hassan signed off on a transportation funding bill May 21.