TOPEKA (AP) – Three multibillion-dollar transportation programs have given Kansas good highways but also have created a regular source of rainy day funds during tough budget times.

Borrowing funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s highway, bridge and road maintenance projects has become common. Some legislators have nicknamed the state’s transportation programs “the Bank of KDOT.”

This year is no exception.

Republican Governor Sam Brownback and many members of the GOP-dominated Legislature want to position the state to eventually phase out personal income taxes. But they also have to stabilize the budget.

Legislative researchers say Brownback has proposed diverting $510 million in highway funds over the next two years. The House wanted to increase that amount by $382 million over two years but backed off the idea amid heavy criticism.