SPRINGFIELD - In 2008, efforts to spend billions of dollars on roads, bridges and buildings were stymied partly because many lawmakers didn't trust Gov. Rod Blagojevich with the money.

But now, with Blagojevich facing federal corruption charges and possible impeachment, that roadblock could be removed.

On Monday, one of the lawmakers who played a key role in blocking passage of a statewide construction program last summer, offered up one possible solution to pay for a statewide construction plan: A hike in the state's gas tax.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said an 8-cent-per gallon boost in the motor fuel tax could raise $5.9 billion for construction projects.

Although Bradley's plan already faces opposition among those who say raising taxes in a down economy is a bad idea, it could jumpstart new talks on a construction program, especially if Blagojevich is ousted.

One top state budget negotiator says the possibility of having a new governor could change the political dynamics of brokering a massive public works spending plan.

"You don't know if he's going to be governor in June or July," said state Rep. Gary Hannig, a Litchfield Democrat who serves as the majority party's point man on budget issues. "Then you have at least a little clarity."

Although he was criticized for helping to block the construction plan last summer, Bradley says his move was justified.

The proposal would have been bankrolled by an expansion of gambling, which Bradley opposes. Since then, the state's casinos have weathered a significant downturn in business, making state revenues from gambling an unreasonable way to pay for anything, Bradley said.

"That's not going to change, regardless of who the governor is," Bradley said.

Although gas prices are now low, his proposal to hike the gas tax comes just months after Republicans called for a cut in the sales taxes on gasoline in order to counter fuel prices that were hovering at the $4-per-gallon level.

Republicans are likely to use that argument in opposition to the idea. But even before any construction plan would be considered, GOP lawmakers say Blagojevich will have to be removed.

"One has to happen before the other," said state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill. "The trust is not there."