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Corker Urges Long-Term Road Funding Solutions In Tennessee

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Senator Bob Corker said he hopes his home state of Tennessee won't emulate the Washington approach to spending on transportation projects without finding ways to pay for them.

Corker on Wednesday praised Governor Bill Haslam, a close friend and fellow Republican, for trying to find long-term solutions to Tennessee's transportation needs.

Haslam has been on a statewide tour to draw attention to transportation funding needs. And while Haslam has yet to make any specific funding proposals, some GOP leaders in the General Assembly have been quick to rule out a gas tax hike in 2016.

Corker has found little traction so far in his proposal to increase the federal gas tax. He said an alternative was to return authority over road projects and funding to the states. 

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)