A task force announced Thursday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is charged with the unenviable task of recommending a new transportation program that will guide highway and bridge projects in the next decade.

The current 10-year plan expires next year.

"We know transportation is critical to seizing economic opportunities and creating jobs to stimulate our economy," Sebelius said in a written statement. "With our state's 10-year transportation program coming to an end, now is the time to begin planning for the future to ensure we keep our infrastructure in good shape and put our state in position for economic growth. I've asked task force members to create a vision that is mindful of our money, recognizes the needs of both rural and urban Kansas and uses the strength of all transportation modes."

In a recent report, the Kansas Department of Transportation estimated that $58 billion would be needed over the next 20 years to fund highway construction and improvement programs.

That comes at a time when money is short. State budget director Duane Goossen has indicated that if current trends persist, Kansas will face a $188 million budget shortfall in 2010, and of $400 million in 2011.

The KDOT report identified several options to increase funds available for transportation projects, including an increase in the gas tax; a tax on vehicle sales, with receipts dedicated to highway improvements; and a system of toll roads.

Rep. Virgil Peck, a Tyro Republican who is vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee, said recently that he believed an increase in the state gas tax was a non-starter. Sebelius also has indicated she would not favor a gas tax hike with pump prices hovering at about $4 a gallon. Peck said he also didn’t believe a dedicated tax on vehicle sales would advance in the Legislature.

However, he said toll roads were one possible option that the Legislature might be able to live with, though it's unclear how much revenue such a system would produce.

The Kansas Chapter of Americans for Prosperity has called on the Legislature to consider conducting cost-benefit studies before commencing a highway project.

“Kansas taxpayers fund about $1 billion per year in road-related spending, even though the state has no process for prioritizing the construction projects,” said Alan Cobb, the group’s executive director. “Simply providing a cost-benefit analysis is a responsible way for the department of transportation to ensure accountability in government spending on highway construction projects.”

The first public meeting of the task force, chaired by KDOT Secretary Deb Miller, has been scheduled for Aug. 27.

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