House Republicans to Detail Transportation Bill

The funding includes $435 million in Local Option Income Tax money as well as an additional $70 million for local government rainy day funds.

Indiana House Republicans will release details this morning on what they consider the top priority of the 2016 General Assembly. House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88), Roads and Transportation Committee Chair Ed Soliday (R-4) and Ways and Means Chair Tim Brown (R-41) will unveil House Bill 1001, which leaders say will be a "responsible, comprehensive and sustainable solution" to fund road and bridge work throughout the state.

At the end of December, Senator Brandt Hershman (R-7) outlined a $418 million measure aimed at funding infrastructure improvements by local governments. His plan would be funded through local income tax revenues and distributed according to the amount paid to the state through the tax.

Governor Pence has proposed a $1 billion plan he calls 21st Century Crossroads, which would cover infrastructure improvements over the course of four years. Democrats have called for $2 billion in new road and bridge project spending. The GOP holds a super-majority in the Indiana House and Senate.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced last month more than $1 billion was invested in various transportation projects in 2015.