Few in N.J. aware of constitutional route toward funding road, bridge repairs

One of the proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on New Jersey’s November ballot would require all the revenue from the state’s gas tax go directly into the Transportation Trust Fund.

The latest Fairleigh Dickinson University Public Mind Poll finds there’s no consensus among state residents on whether to approve it.

Just about half of residents polled “say they favor the amendment with 30 percent opposed. The remainder is undecided,” said Krista Jenkins, poll director.

About 70 percent of residents haven’t heard much about the amendment, she said.

“Some may find this surprising as all that’s being asked is whether any money collected through the gas tax should go to the TTF,” she said. “Since little attention has been paid to this issue so far, an information campaign could move the needle either way.”

Legislative leaders and Gov. Chris Christie have not reached agreement on whether to increase the gas tax to replenish the fund that pays for repairs to the state’s roads and bridges.