Missouri lawmakers are promising to pay more attention next year to transportation funding.

Efforts to raise the state gasoline tax ran out of fuel as officials focused upon other issues at the end of last week’s legislative session.

Missouri is facing a transportation funding crisis and could lose millions in federal matching funds if more state revenue is not found. Republicans and Democrats agree that coming up with a plan will be a priority in 2016.

Pike County supporters say a gas tax increase tax could reduce delays in construction of a new bridge at Louisiana and replacement of other aging structures along Highway 79.

Voters last year rejected a proposal to raise the state sales tax to generate money for road and bridge projects.