Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday his top transportation plan is rolling to completion after the House approved it and sent it back to the Senate, which is expected to concur and send it straight to the governor's desk.

Ritter told newspaper editors and publishers at their annual convention that he is disappointed that Republicans have not supported the plan, but he said the state needs to get the money flowing soon.

Under Senate Bill 108, owners of cars and SUVs would pay an extra $32 the first year, $36.50 the second year and $41 the third year. The bill now goes to the Senate to review House amendments.

Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, said the bill will protect as many as 8,000 jobs and create tens of thousands of new ones. He said the bill would also enable the state to repair and rebuild 126 dangerous bridges and rutted roads.

Ritter said the state will raise about $250 million a year from the fees.

"We really believed it was important to move this and move this in a way that raised new revenue, also to look at it and ask the question how much you should get in a downturn," Ritter said.

Republicans rejected the plan, saying it relies too much on fees that will hurt farmers, ranchers and low-income drivers.

The Senate also plans to take up a new proposal to eliminate spending limits in the state budget, which currently provide guarantees for transportation in good economic times.

Right now, the state's general fund budget, which covers items like schools, prisons and higher education, can grow by only 6 percent each year.

Any leftover money must be spent on transportation and building projects. But because of the recession, there isn't expected to be any leftover money until at least July 2010.