A veteran South Dakota lawmaker says the 2009 Legislature faces "a mind-boggling" problem in trying to come up with money to keep the state's highways and bridges in shape.

State Rep. Jim Putnam of Armour, who helps lead the Legislature's budget committee, says things will be even worse if the federal economic crisis hasn't eased by the time South Dakota lawmakers convene in early January.  A special committee has reviewed the needs and reports that $72.3 million in additional funding is needed each year to keep roads in good shape and $17.4 million to preserve bridges.

The per-gallon gas tax would have to be raised almost 13 cents to get $72.3 million for roads.