A bipartisan effort to find new revenue to fund roads, bridges, and mass transit may hit recreational boating hard. Historically, transportation has been a bipartisan effort in Congress. So far 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats in the House support a plan that would fund loans for infrastructure improvements from bonds that would be sold to companies who want tax break if cash earned abroad is brought back to the USA.

A 10 to 20 cent per-gallon increase in the federal gas tax is also on the table, but many think it would be a short-term fix to the needs of infrastructure. With a federal mandate in place to increase average mileage to 54.5 a gallon by 2025, many believe a higher gas tax is needed. Other possibilities include moving to a system that charges drivers a fee for every mile they travel.

Whatever happens in Congress MRAA thinks boaters may be paying more at the pump when the transportation bill passes Congress. MRAA opposes tax increases on gasoline or other revenue avenues that impact the ability of Americans to enjoy fishing and boating.