The state Transportation Board heard from Gov. Sonny Perdue here today that he will make an announcement Thursday about an new transportation initiative.

In vague outlines to the board, the governor expressed support for commuter rail and for considering funding options such as privately-built toll roads.

The governor said he supports measures to increase spending for transportation. Two measures — restoring a portion of the gas tax that now goes to the general fund and returning some bond debt service to general fund — could produce as much as $400 million a year, DOT officials said.

The board began its second day of meetings at a remote conference center in southeast Georgia, hashing out the department's re-organization.

Commissioner Gena Abraham told the board Tuesday that she expects the re-organization to cost about $5 million as she creates new positions, like that of chief operating officer, but that overall the restructuring will be "revenue neutral."

That means she will also eliminate positions and save about $5 million, she said after her presentation. Part of that savings will be just on paper, eliminating positions that are vacant, while part will come from eliminating jobs.

DOT Board chairman Bill Kuhlke said the board hopes to adopt a "vision" and long-range and short-range plans at the three-day retreat.