The House by a vote of 61-0 just passed a bill that  spends $200 million over this year and the next on road construction.

The money goes to pay for more than a dozen high-priority road construction projects that were put on indefinite hold last autumn because of an absence of funds. The cost of materials has risen so rapidly that it has pushed up the cost of road construction.

Roughly $50 million of the $200 million will come from the state’s main account, or general fund, but it is based on certain contingencies being met and the appropriation will be split between two years.

The other $150 million will come from severance taxes bond proceeds, but with $75 million scheduled for release in this fiscal year and $75 million scheduled to be released in the fiscal year that starts July 1. To read a bill analysis, click here.

Now the legislation heads to the Senate, where it may enjoy widespread support.

Asked the bill’s chances in the Senate, Sen. President Pro Tem Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, said "We need roads." The Senate has shown a greater willingness to buck Gov. Bill Richardson on some of his priorities during the special session.