Louisiana’s transportation head said this week that despite a $10 billion backlog in state highway projects, it will be at least two years before any tax or fee hike is sought to pay for improvements.

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Johnny Bradberry said the highway agency suffered from public image problems, and he must address that issue before requesting new tax dollars.

“We are not in a position … to ask the public for more money,” he told a gathering Oct. 18 in Baton Rouge, LA.

Bradberry took over the transportation post from Kam Movassaghi in March.

Before asking for money, Bradberry said the Department of Transportation and Development first needs time to make its operations more efficient, which he said will take up most of next year.

“We have a negative image with the public,” he said. “We are always on the defensive.”

In 2006, a tax hike for roads could only be considered in a special state legislative session. And with Gov. Kathleen Blanco facing re-election in 2007, any push for higher taxes decreases in likelihood.

“I think there will come a time in (Blanco’s) first term when it is likely we will be discussing more (road) money, whether it comes from tolls, whether it comes from an increased tax, whatever,” Bradberry told local media.

But the first step, he said, is a detailed plan to study department operations and decide what changes are needed to boost public trust. Bradberry said he hopes to have study recommendations to Blanco and lawmakers “in the first quarter of 2005.”