From Lisa Demer in Juneau--

One of the state House leaders is proposing a big change in how road and other transportation projects are paid for in our state.

State Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell and chair of the House Transportation Committee, talked to reporters this morning about a proposed constitutional amendment to create a new permanent fund, just for transportation.

She said the federal money is drying up and the idea is to create a pot with state dollars. Projects wouldn't have to go through all the federal red tape though they'd still have to meet the same construction standards, Wilson said. Her committee has been working on this since last year. Members traveled to villages and communties, looking at roads and airports. She introduced two measures to accomplish the idea on Friday.

"It's going to be state funded. We're not going to mix it with federal funding because we can do it cheaper and quicker when we don't mix it with federal funding. And we don't have to have the same stringent requirements that the feds do. But we will still stick with the same standards as far as the construction standards," Wilson said.

The idea would take three pieces of legislation to accomplish.

House Joint Resolution 42 asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to create the Alaska Transportation Infrastructure Fund. House Bill 329 calls for the fund to be created with a $1 billion endowment. Money also would come in from fuel taxes and vehicle registrations.

Wilson said the initial proposal is to spend the money this way:

- 60 percent for roads

- 13 percent aviation

- 12 percent Alaska Marine Highway

- 8 percent harbors

- 5 percent local transit

- 2 percent, trails and bike paths

No word yet from the Senate. The proposal will get a hearing Tuesday before House Transportation.