The last gas tax increase was the "Nickel Package". When passed it went directly to specific projects indentified by the legislature, with input from WSDOT. An example of the projects constructed with those dollars were:
The revenue package funds 158 projects over a 10-year period. The Nickel Package includes:
5 cents per gallon gas tax increase
15 percent increase in gross weight fees on heavy trucks
0.3 percent increase in the sales tax on motor vehicles
When the projects are built, and the accompanying bonds are paid off, the five-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase will expire.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Funding/Nickel/Cut and paste the above link to see the projects constructed with the 2003 Nickel gas tax.
Mike - The lotto sales are a misnomer, I agree. While the marketing approach was schools, the fact is it goes to the general fund. Schools are in as much trouble as the transportation system for basically the same reasons, poor management. Some school districts are doing remarkably well, especially private schools. They pay better so they get the best teachers and administrators to operate and carry out thier business plans and education programs. They sell their programs to folks who want the very best education for thier children and the best opportunities for them after HS.