Kansas' Transportation 2000 task force told outgoing Republican Gov. Bill Graves the state should change how it pays for its $13.6 billion, 10-year highway program rather than cut money from the plan, The Associated Press reported Dec. 10. In addition, the panel suggested sales taxes from new and used cars should be diverted to the road plan.

Two weeks ago, Graves said the state should not repay $94.6 million it borrowed from the transportation program. The money was used to prop up the sagging state budget, which faces a deficit of more than $300 million.

"It is evident from the recent hearings that the citizens of the state of Kansas continue to overwhelmingly support completion of the entire 1999 Comprehensive Transportation Program and strenuously oppose any reduction in funding which would prevent the completion," the task force stated.