The high gasoline prices are apparently affecting West Virginia's gas tax collections, which are used to fund highway repair and construction projects.

Tax Commissioner Virgil Helton spoke to the Council of Finance and Administration Monday during legislative interims. He told the group that April's state tax of 32.2 cents per gallon brought in $30.5 million. That's $2.35 million, or seven percent, less than projected.

He said collections also were down four percent compared to April 2007, when the gas tax brought in $31.87 million.

Helton says consumers have changed their driving habits because of the high gas prices and are logging less miles.

Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick noted that if the trend continues, it could have major effects on the state Road Fund, which relies heavily on gas tax collections. The Pocahontas County Democrat suggested that the Legislature focus now on alternative ways to finance highway construction.