Voters in Northeast Missouri might not need much convincing to support a state gasoline tax increase.

The latest proposal would raise the tax by almost six cents a gallon. If legislators give final approval, the ballot measure would appear in November.

The revenue would be used to upgrade the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. One item that’s considered a top state priority is replacement of the 88-year-old Champ Clark Bridge at Louisiana. Illinois has funding for its part of the project, but Missouri does not.

Supporters of the increase say it’s fairer than other funding methods because people who use more gas will pay more to improve the transportation network. However, some lawmakers have been critical of the plan.

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