Deep-pocketed toll road companies might provide Michigan a portion of the billions of dollars it needs , and doesn't have, to fix its aging highway system. A House committee is crafting legislation that would pave the way for more private involvement in road building, including toll roads.

It's a hopeful sign lawmakers at last are taking up road-funding reforms for which the need is growing urgent. A new formula that funnels more state and federal transportation dollars to congested urban roads and a gradual gasoline tax increase are other steps policymakers need to take.

The House measure would authorize an array of partnerships between the state and private firms for planning, financing, building, maintaining and operating highways in Michigan. Some public-private road pacts are possible under current laws, but not the type with the greatest cash-producing potential for the state, privately run toll roads.