Transportation consultant Tom Warne is now reviewing what other states are doing to solve their transportation funding problems: Rental car fees - sometimes very significant ones; sales tax increases; tolls; vehicle taxes; state and local gas tax hikes; and more. However, more than half of states experienced negative budget growth in fiscal year 2009, he noted, which meant they were struggling for money in general. "Most states are very hesitant about doing anything with transportation funding in this climate," Warne said.

The governor's transportation funding task force has been charged by Gov. Butch Otter to report back by December of 2010 - that's a full year away, and after the next election.

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