A majority of Americans would be willing to pay more taxes if it would improve the nation’s clogged traffic arteries, according to a poll released by The Associated Press July 1 said.

Fifty-six percent of those responding to the poll told the news service they would pay higher taxes for “significant road improvements.”

Rep. Don Young, R-AK, and other key members of the House Transportation Committee, which he chairs, earlier this year announced their support for an increase in the federal fuel tax by 8 cents over six years. Currently the federal tax on diesel is 24.4 cents per gallon. The tax increase proposal drew opposition from anti-tax conservatives and a veto threat from the White House.

Treasury Secretary John Snow and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta told congressional leaders in a Feb. 2 letter that transportation spending should not rely on an increase in the federal gas tax or other taxes.

Congressional leaders are currently working out details of a new transportation bill, including other possible funding mechanisms, such as tolls, in a House-Senate joint conference committee.