Senate Committee Endorses Transportation Plan

A Kansas Senate committee has endorsed a proposal for a 10-year, $8.2 billion transportation project.

The plan approved Tuesday by the Transportation Committee would require the state to issue $1.7 billion in bonds, increase its sales tax and raise vehicle registration fees in 2013.

The committee’s voice vote sent the measure to the Senate for debate. The timing is uncertain, but Senate President Steve Morris promised the debate would occur this year.

The new program would replace a 10-year, $13 billion program that ended last summer.

Supporters say a new program will keep the state’s transportation system in top condition and generate jobs.

But some lawmakers question raising taxes and fees for such projects when the state is trying to close a budget shortfall.