The number of repairs and reconstruction needed for New Mexico's aging roads is far outpacing the funding available for such projects.
The state's road fund received roughly $381 million last year, $5 million less than the year prior.
Meanwhile, a national research group recently stated that just immediate road work alone amounts to $730 million.
Transportation officials say the road fund primarily gets money from gasoline tax revenues, which have stayed flat for the past decade.
They say more fuel-efficient vehicles are leading to drivers buying less at the pump.
State lawmakers say it is inevitable that New Mexico will have to find ways to increase funding for infrastructure improvements.
New Mexico last raised the state fuel tax in 1993.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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