BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards told a study group considering ways to tackle Louisiana's more than $12 billion road and bridge work backlog that its work is vitally important to the future of the state.
    
Edwards spoke to the transportation task force, which he created last month, as it began its work Tuesday. He framed the issue as critical to economic development and quality of life.
    
The Democratic governor said he expects the group to explore proposals to raise more money to steer toward transportation projects. He didn't specify a gas tax increase or other approach he'd prefer.
    
The 18-member task force includes lawmakers, state and local government officials and business leaders. Its recommendations are due by Jan. 1. Edwards wants to use the suggestions to build his 2017 legislative agenda.