"Road budgets falling behind need for repair" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Road budgets falling behind need for repair
Donna Borak
The Columbus Dispatch
April 17, 2008

Frozen credit markets, sky-high gas prices and a rising federal budget deficit are hurting cash-strapped states as they confront increasing congestion on the nation's deteriorating roads and bridges.

Across the country, states are more desperate than ever to tap every possible source of funding -- tolls on leased roads, sharp hikes in motor-fuel taxes and working with the private sector -- to finance the building and repairing of roads and bridges.

Experts see a sharp increase in public-private funding collaboration. Some analysts say highway funding might be the next "sweet spot" for institutional investors as the burst housing bubble leaves companies looking for ways to put their money to work...