BOISE - The House Revenue and Taxation Committee approved a bill Friday to increase taxes on gas for airplanes in hopes the money will fund maintenance at airports.

The 11-3 vote will send to the House floor a proposal to raise by 1.5 percent both the cost of aviation gasoline - by 7 cents per gallon - and jet fuel - by 6 cents per gallon. The change would raise about $429,000 to be distributed among Idaho airports, according to Idaho Transportation Department Aeronautics Advisory Board.

The money would contribute to a shortfall in funds that were withheld the least two years from seven primary airports in Idaho, including those in Hailey and Twin Falls. Both airports received $15,000 in 2006.

Aviation fuel taxes have not increased since 1991. John DeThomas, administrator for Division of Aeronautics, said that revenue has remained static for the last 10 years.

However, only about half the $429,000 would be used for grants if Congress fails to pass a measure to match the funding. Should Congress not take action, the remaining funds would fund other maintenance and personnel costs. ITD officials said they aren't sure whether Congress will follow through.

If the bill becomes law, the aeronautics advisory board would have to adjust its budget request for next year, which is $2.9 million, officials said. At an earlier hearing, it said that the fuel taxes account for about 80 percent of its budget.

Idaho airports are divided into three tiers, the lowest of which consists of small facilities that are ineligible for federal funding.

Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, who offered to carry the bill on the House floor, said the rising costs are preventing airports to receive the proper maintenance.

"They haven't been getting their grants to fix things at the airport," he said.

The bill was supported by the Idaho Airport Manager Association of Idaho and the Idaho Aviation Association, which consists of pilots.

"In my mind, this is a justified increase," said Bill Miller, vice-president for the IAA. He said that maintenance costs have doubled in the last 15 years.

Voting against the legislation was Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, and House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum.

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 631-793-5717 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com

Correction: This story includes incorrect proposed increases in taxes on aviation gasoline and jet fuel approved by an Idaho House committee. Each tax would increase by 1.5 cents per gallon. The cost of aviation gasoline would go to 7 cents per gallon, and jet fuel would go to 6 cents per gallon.