Indiana road funding bill nears final vote at Statehouse

Final lawmaker negotiations are set to begin on a bill that would allocate $200 million for Indiana transportation projects.

Gov. Mike Pence requested twice that amount to be released this year, but state senators slashed the proposal because of budget concerns.

The money would come from a savings fund created last year. Legislators originally planned to set aside $200 million each year until 2020 for use on major highway projects.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long said negotiations scheduled to begin Monday might lead to more money being made available this year.

If the House and Senate agree on changes to the bill, it would go to the governor for final approval.