By Jim Abrams In a pinch * Fewer dollars: The government trust fund that pays to build and repair highways and bridges is facing a looming shortage of cash. * One source: The fund gets its money mainly from the 18.4 cents-a- gallon excise tax that drivers pay at the pump.

By Jim Abrams Associated Press WASHINGTON - A cash crunch is fast approaching for the government trust fund that pays to build and repair highways and bridges. The federal tax on a gallon of gas has not risen in 14 years and Congress is reluctant to increase it.

By JIM ABRAMS, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON A cash crunch is fast approaching for the government trust fund that pays to build and repair highways and bridges. The federal tax on a gallon of gas has not risen in 14 years and Congress is reluctant to increase it.

By Jim Abrams Associated Press WASHINGTON -- A cash crunch is fast approaching for the government trust fund that pays to build and repair highways and bridges. The federal tax on a gallon of gas has not risen in 14 years, and Congress is reluctant to increase it.

By Jim Abrams, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- A cash crunch is fast approaching for the government trust fund that pays to build and repair highways and bridges. The federal tax on a gallon of gas has not risen in 14 years and Congress is reluctant to increase it.