JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Senate’s answer to growing road and bridge needs is to add 12.5 cents per gallon to the motor fuel tax – equal to about $460 million annually. The 73.5% increase, going to 29.5 cents per gallon, would equal about $1.25 more for every 10 gallons put in a fuel tank. The national average tax per gallon is 25.68 cents, based on the American Petroleum Institute’s Jan. 1 report, “Gasoline Taxes.” The tax would be phased in at 2.5 cents per year through 2025. For now, Missouri has the nation’s second-lowest state tax per gallon, 17 cents. The low rate is second only to Alaska’s 14.66 cents. California’s tax is No. 1 at 62.47 cents per gallon. Some senators wanted the tax raised by 15 cents, to 32 cents per gallon. Compromise cut that plan to 12.5 cents. Sen. Denny Hoskins voted no. “Missouri has sufficient resources already to address transportation needs,” he stated. “I believe this is esp...