House Roads Committee chairman questions Pence’s road construction cost estimates

They have bombarded Pence over the issue ever since a monthlong emergency closure of an Interstate 65 bridge near Lafayette last summer.

Pence is calling for a four-year, billion plan that would focus on improving existing infrastructure throughout the state. But she defended the condition of the state’s roads.

Pence’s plan requires legislative approval to divert $241 million from the state’s reserve fund while borrowing an additional $240 million to meet a 2017 spending target. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville; Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville; and Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, are all concerned about refinancing bonds for the project.

It received a more favorable response from Senate Republican Leader David Long, R- Fort Wayne. “The governor’s proposing a billion dollars over four years”.

Democratic gubernatorial opponent John Gregg, who has needled Pence over roads spending, has yet to release his own roads plan.

“This is one of the most exciting industrial development regions in the United States of America”, Pence said during a news conference.

The Republican chairman of Indiana’s House Roads Committee is raising questions about construction cost figures provided by Gov. Mike Pence’s administration.

Murtaugh said that’s the real problem.

“Do we have a problem?”

“We are not in crisis mode”, she said. “I’m glad we’re having a discussion about this issue”.

That study also found Hoosiers think they pay far more in state and federal gas and sales taxes than they actually do. That means a tax increase or alternative source of financing would be required.

At his announcement earlier this week, Pence stressed that the number of roads and bridges in fair or better condition has increased over the past three years.

Local governments have raised their own concerns, however. That could sow hard feelings in the midst of an election campaign.

The Indiana Department of Transportation spends about one billion dollars per year on road funding.