ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A gas tax increase is among the ideas Maryland’s Senate president is floating to raise badly needed money for transportation.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller told reporters Wednesday his plan includes a proposal to raise about $300 million annually with a gas tax increase.

Miller, D-Calvert, also is proposing regional transit authorities that could raise money for rail projects in Baltimore and near Washington. That way, those projects would be paid for primarily by people in those areas.

The Senate leader also is proposing lawmakers consider leasing or selling the Intercounty Connector to recoup the money the state has paid to build the 18.8-mile road and investing it in other projects.

Details are still being worked out in the proposal. A bill could be introduced late this week.

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