WBRZ - Baton Rouge

GONZALES - A half-cent sales tax could be the answer to solving Ascension Parish's traffic problems and voters will get the chance to have their voices heard on the measure this November.

The proposed tax would generate about $8 million annually, allowing the parish to secure an $80 million bond. That bond would be paid off at $5 million a year, leaving about $3 million a year for projects over the course of the tax.

Drivers say the traffic congestion in the parish has been going on for too long.

"It benefits everyone, if you go to work in the morning you have to leave 15 minutes early, when you come home you're 15 minutes later than you should be, I mean the traffic just piles up," said Garney Gautreau, who supports the tax.

Even people who'd normally consider 'tax' a four letter word are considering voting for the plan.

"Considering the traffic issue in this parish, which is totally out of hand in my opinion, I would gladly pay a half cent extra to clear up all of this mess with the traffic in this parish," said Arthur Rodrigue, who wants better roads.

The plan will be discussed tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Dutchtown High and again on Thursday at the St. Amant Recreation Center. You can see the planned improvements at www.lanesforchange.com.