ID House: More money to roads, after economy grows

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Story Published: Apr 23, 2009 at 2:50 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 23, 2009 at 2:50 PM PDT

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - House leaders who have rejected six proposals to boost Idaho's gas tax are now floating a plan to add money for road maintenance from Idaho's general fund, but only after economic growth resumes.

House Majority Caucus Leader Ken Roberts said Thursday the proposal foresees using resurgent state revenue for highways "instead of taking that revenue growth and putting it into re-growing state government."

Senate President Pro Tem Bob Geddes said he appreciates the House's "creative thinking," but figures the idea is likely dead on arrival.

Democratic leaders rejected it as an anti-government ploy to starve suffering general fund agencies, once the recession abates.

The idea emerged as the House began considering three new bills aimed at raising some $30 million in new roads money, including lifting a tax exemption on ethanol, charging more for drivers' licenses and revamping vehicle registrations.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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