Two Northeast Missouri lawmakers were among the majority voting to support a state gasoline tax increase to pay for road and bridge work.

The proposal to raise the tax almost six cents a gallon passed the Senate 21 votes to 10. Republicans Jeanie Riddle and Brian Munzlinger voted for the measure, which could face a tough battle in the House. In addition, voter approval would be required in November before the new fee could be collected starting next January.

The increase would generate an estimated 165 million additional dollars each year and 71 million for local governments.

Supporters say it’s needed to upgrade Missouri’s crumbling transportation network and fund priority projects such as replacement of the Champ Clark Bridge at Louisiana.

Critics have charged that the state transportation department should use available funding more efficiently and that the increase would hurt some businesses.

Missouri’s gas tax is one of the lowest in the nation at 17 cents a gallon, and hasn’t risen in 20 years.