CHEYENNE -- A legislative committee is exploring the concept ofimposing toll fees on Interstate 80 truck traffic to help pay for escalating highway maintenance costs.

The Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee Wednesday asked state transportation officials to determine whether the federal government would allow tolling on I-80, and how much revenueit might generate.

If the concept proves feasible, the committee will ask for an in-depth study on tolling when the full Legislature meets in February.

"We want to know the cost of the study and where the feds are on this,"said Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette.

Nancy Robertson, co-owner of Robertson Transportation in Evanston, called the idea of tolls on I-80 "ridiculous."

"Trucking companies are already taxed to death on everything we do," said Robertson, whose company regularly uses I-80.

The committee is also considering a 10-cent increase in the state fuel tax and higher fees for driver's licenses.

WYDOT Chief Engineer Del McOmie said the proposals are, in part, a response to massive price increases for construction materials -- including a 40 percent inflationary jump in 2006 -- and maintenance issues related to more heavy trucks on the road.

"It's really become a critical issue on this funding," McOmie told the committee.