Pence Proposes $1 Billion for Roads

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pence is proposing a $1 billion boost in state highway funding over four years amid criticism he's faced over road conditions around Indiana.

Pence announced the plan Tuesday, saying he would seek legislative approval to dip into the state's $2 billion in state reserves and for up to $150 million a year in additional highway department appropriations.

Pence says the added spending on roads and bridges could be accomplished without raising taxes, although it would cut into the level of state reserves that he has highlighted as a top achievement.

The Republican governor has been criticized by Democrats for underfunding highway maintenance in the wake of a monthlong emergency closure of an Interstate 65 bridge near Lafayette.