By Associated Press
Millbrook, AL – Governor Riley says he may be willing to increase the size of his proposed bond issue to repair and build new schools from 500 (m) million to as high as 750 (m) million dollars. Riley made the comments Wednesday while standing in an 80-year-old building at Robinson Springs Elementary School in Millbrook in Elmore County. School administrators and teachers say they need a new school. They say the current facility is spread out among various buildings, air conditioning and heating systems don't always work and classrooms are too small and often flood during inclement weather. Riley says the school is an example of the need for the bond issue that would distribute funds for repairs, construction and other improvements among all the state's school systems. It would also distribute funds to state colleges and universities. The governor initially proposed a 500 (m) million dollar bond issue. State Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem has proposed a 750 (m) million dollar bond issue. Riley says he wants to make sure the state doesn't borrow more money than it can afford to pay back before setting an exact figure for the bond issue.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)