BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho House lawmakers are slowly chipping away at the state's transportation funding shortfall while legislative leaders struggle to gather support for a comprehensive bill. House panels have considered three small proposals that would provide up to $40 million in combined funding and savings for Idaho's crumbling roads and bridges — still far short of the $262 million annual shortfall. Eliminating the sales tax on road materials could save between $15 million and $20 million per year. Another $19 million could come from adding a sales tax on vehicle sales from nonresidents.

Republican Rep. Joe Palmer, who chairs the House Transportation and Defense Committee, says he doesn't think a comprehensive plan will pass this session. But Majority Caucus Chair Rep. John Vander Woude says he remains optimistic about a sweeping plan.

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