Walker says he's not ruling out toll roads

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker says he's reluctant to implement toll roads to help pay for the state's transportation projects but he's not ruling them out as he crafts the next state budget.

Walker told reporters after speaking at the 2nd Annual Governor's Freight Industry Summit on Wednesday he doesn't want to burden state residents who need to travel short distances, but tolls might be feasible if they have a larger impact on out-of-state drivers.

The governor reiterated his opposition to raising the gas tax following a speech at a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce meeting earlier Wednesday morning.

Walker has said he wants to find ways to keep the Zoo Interchange and Interstate 39 expansion projects on schedule without delaying others.

The governor is expected to release his budget plan in February.