Budget Deal Could Trim Highway Spending, Aid Transit - - If There Is The Will To Change

If the proposed state budget deal removes Gov.Doyle's oil company tax, it could force a serious review of highway spending in the state.

Because there could be less money for WisDOT to spend.

The major highway account is already overcommitted to the tune of $4-5 billion; the southeastern wisconsin freeway plan could be substantially trimmed, as it's $5.5 billion in commitments is based on gasoline and vehicle usage at $2.30-a-gallon - - preposterously unrealistic.

Fewer billions on highways - - targeted investments in rail and bus improvements - - and the state can easily adjust to lower transportation revenues.