In order to address concerns over what he called an underfunded highway system, Gov. Ed Rendell spoke to a crowd of about 50 at the Nittany Lion Inn this afternoon.

Rendell said the state is currently home to "a highway and road system that is extremely challenged from years of underfunding."

To combat this, Rendell presented four funding options recommended by a state commission, endorsing the fourth as his preference.

His decision proposes leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private company for 99 years and increasing taxes for oil companies to raise money for road and bridge repairs.

Leasing - not selling - the turnpike would allow the state to maintain control over basic decisions such as the repair schedule, existing workforce and toll rates, Rendell said.

"It is not so important that my plan be adopted but doing nothing is not an option," he said.