Maine gov urges lawmakers to consider roads bond

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine Gov. Paul LePage is urging lawmakers to consider a proposed bond for the state's highways and bridges this week.

The Republican governor said in statement Monday that the Democratic-led Legislature should consider the $100 million transportation bond when they reconvene on Tuesday to finish their business for the session.

But Democratic lawmakers say they will wait until the fall to take up a larger bond package that includes money for transportation, natural resources, research and development and schools. They say LePage must first officially release more than $100 million bonds already approved by lawmakers and voters before new bonds are considered.

House Republicans say they should to take up LePage's transportation bond separately, instead of tying it to other bonds that likely won't have the same support.