State road funding panel might have private meetings

Leaders of a state committee reviewing how to pay for future Indiana road improvements say they might work on its proposal during private meetings.

Such closed-door sessions are unusual for study committees established by the Legislature, but task force co-chairman Sen. Luke Kenley says he wants all panel members to talk freely about possible options.

The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette reports funding options include raising gasoline taxes and charging tolls on existing or new highways.

Kenley says any committee proposal would still need to gain approval from lawmakers. The panel faces a Dec. 1 deadline.

The Legislature this year approved a short-term road funding package for $230 million toward state highways and bridges over the next two years. Gov. Mike Pence sought a $1 billion boost over four years.