As the digits whir by on the gas pump, Oak Harbor resident John Lamb grimaces.

Luckily, he filled up his U-Haul Thursday, the day before a 3-cent gas tax took effect statewide. It cost him $85, but it would have been more 24 hours later.

The gas tax is only one thing that got more expensive yesterday when tax hikes the Washington Legislature passed earlier this year took effect.

Lamb said the increase in gas tax is not fair for people outside of King County. It will receive the bulk of the proceeds to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

“If it’s used for what it’s supposed to be for, then it’s a good thing,” Lamb said. “But it never is.”

Island County will eventually see half a cent per gallon of the new money, which equates to approximately $227,000 in new money each year, Island County Public Works Director Bill Oakes said in April, after the bill passed.

Island County Commissioner Mac McDowell said that the money will not have an immediate impact on the county’s