That was the message Wednesday to lawmakers meeting as members of the Legislative Transportation Committee - and many seemed open to the idea of a tax increase for transportation.

"We're not likely to come up with billions of dollars for anything in the next session, but we might be able to come up with some for something," said Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, asking transportation planners to determine a list of priority projects.

While the talk was focused on long-range transportation needs, representatives of Utah's two urban transportation planners gave a list of possible tax increase options to fund those priority projects.

Options on the table: A gas tax increase, application of sales tax to gasoline and adjusting the gas tax to inflation.

"This is going to be a painful experience and we suggest you do this only once," said Sam Klemm, spokesman for the Wasatch Front Regional Council, speaking for an adjustment of the gas tax for inflation.

Taylorsville Rep. Jim Dunnigan said local lawmakers need to "step up."

"I don't like tax increases like anyone else, but we're paying here in Salt Lake County," said Dunnigan, referring to a decision Tuesday by Utah County commissioners to take a quarter-cent sales tax increase for transportation off the ballot.

"How do they expect to solve their problem if they don't step up and be a part of the solution," he added.

Lawmakers will receive recommendations about specific tax increases during their interim meeting next month.