Dayton Reacts to GOP Transportation Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton says he considers a $7 billion Republican plan for road construction a step forward in terms of scope, but he's less enthusiastic about how it would be paid for.

Dayton reacted Monday to the GOP's legislative alternative to his multi-billion dollar transportation proposal. He says the sides can now engage in a real debate about where to get money from now that they're in the same ballpark on how big the problem is.

The governor says he can't fully assess the Republican plan until he sees the trade-offs from shifting $300 million a year of taxes to a dedicated transportation account. Dayton says putting transportation in direct competition with other state priorities is ill-advised.

Dayton's plan would generate new money by raising gas taxes and other fees.