Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ administration told lawmakers Monday it was her way or maybe no highway.

During a news conference and later at a hearing before a House committee, Sebelius’ transportation officials blitzed the Legislature, warning that if lawmakers failed to approve the governor’s plan to borrow $465 million to shore up the comprehensive transportation plan, dozens of road projects would face a dead end.

“We will be forced to start cutting projects,” Transportation Secretary Deb Miller said.

One of those listed on the chopping block is reconstruction of U.S. Highway 59 through Douglas and Franklin counties.

The nearly 18-mile project to remake and widen U.S. 59 to four lanes is expected to cost $117.6 million in 2007. Other projects in jeopardy include the $65.4 million construction of an interchange at Interstate 435 and Antioch Road in Overland Park, and a $40 million resurfacing job of I-435 in Johnson County, both of which are listed to start in 2006.

“If the Legislature doesn’t act this session, we are past the point of no return,” Miller said.

The Legislature in 1999 approved a 10-year, $13 billion transportation plan but has been borrowing heavily from it to sustain other programs.

Under Sebelius’ plan, the state would issue $465 million in bonds, which would be used to replace two years of sales tax revenue that was supposed to go to the highway plan but would be diverted for other budget purposes.

The state will resume paying a portion of sales taxes to the highway plan in 2006, but at a reduced rate.

Republicans have voiced concern about borrowing money and stretching debt payments on the transportation plan until 2019.

A Republican bill would increase sales tax transfers to 12 percent of state general fund sales tax receipts.

But Miller said that proposal would require $360 million in project cuts, and that it was unrealistic to assume the state could transfer 12 percent of its sales taxes to the highway plan.

A parade of highway lobbyists urged lawmakers to adopt the Sebelius plan.

Mary Turkington, a highway advocate who helped pass the 1999 transportation plan, said the governor’s approach meant no tax increase for highways, kept the project list intact and provided a reasonable repayment plan.

“We find ourselves today facing a crisis,” she told the House Transportation Committee.

The committee took no action, but will hear the Republican plan today.