(AP) -- State lawmakers briefed on the plan say Ohio Gov. John Kasich is ready to propose raising $1.5 billion for highway projects with Ohio Turnpike bonds while preserving the toll way as a public entity.
State Rep. Lynn Wachtmann, a Napoleon Republican, was among those briefed by telephone Wednesday by members of the governor's team. Kasich plans a series of announcements starting Thursday.
He says Kasich's plan would preserve the Ohio Turnpike Commission and retain workers' jobs. The first $1 billion in bonds would come right away, the rest later.
Northern Ohio road projects would get priority.
Wachtmann says Kasich is contemplating a toll increase for vehicles traversing the state, while freezing rates for shorter trips for 10 years.
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