( KTRS ) The Missouri Senate has passed a bill to raise the state’s fuel tax to pay for road and bridge projects.

Senators voted 21-10, to increase the tax by nearly 6 cents per gallon. The plan now heads to the House, and it would also require voter approval.

Bill sponsor Sen. Doug Libla has said Missouri’s infrastructure needs drastic repairs the state cannot currently afford. MoDOT reports about 640 of the state’s bridges are in critical condition, and more than 1,300 have weight restrictions.

The fuel tax hike would bring in an estimated $165 million a year for the state and about $71 million for local governments.

House leaders so far have declined to endorse paying for transportation projects by raising taxes.