Gov. Bill Ritter today called on the legislature to consider raising auto registration fees to fund a catch-up "fix it now" effort to clear a maintenance backlog on Colorado's highways.

But he said now isn't the time to consider the big tax increase package for expanding roads, transit and highway safety that his blue-ribbon transportation panel has recommended.

The panel packaged its recommendation with a group of four annual funding thresholds – $500 million for the basic "fix it now" package, and increments of $1 billion, $1.5 billion and $2 billion to provide for different levels of maintenance and expansion.

Ritter chose to break out the basic package and ask lawmakers to consider it because it can be done without going to the public for a vote. Fees tied to specific services can be increased by the legislature, while tax increases must be approved by voters.