Iowa Gov. Chet Culver speaks to reporters during The Associated Press legislative seminar, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Culver Wants Bonding for Infrastructure Work

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jan 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM CDT

DES MOINES (AP) - Gov. Chet Culver says he will ask the Legislature next week to use the state's bonding power to pay for flood damage repairs and fix Iowa's aging infrastructure.

Speaking Friday with The Associated Press, Culver argued for borrowing money rather than raising the state's gasoline tax. Culver didn't rule out signing a gas tax increase but made it clear it's not his preference.

The governor also says he's encouraged that Democratic legislative leaders are willing to consider raising money by privatizing Iowa's lottery. Given Iowa's deteriorating state budget, Culver says lawmakers should study all options.

Culver will give his condition of the state speech Tuesday but says he won't issue a proposed budget until later in the month.

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