TEXAS - Some state lawmakers say tolls are burning holes in Texans' wallets, and they want TxDOT to stop investing in toll projects.

Tea Party members in the Texas Legislature along with Governor Greg Abbott are expressing their disapproval with proposals to put toll lanes on existing highways.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick wrote to TxDOT saying they already have enough funding.

"I fought against increasing the state’s reliance on toll roads as a state senator, and I have continued that fight as lieutenant governor," Patrick said in a statement.

But transportation experts say road projects take a lot of cash.

"We haven't raised the gas taxes at the state level or the federal level for over 25 years, I believe. So they are looking for other ways to help pay for this very expensive infrastructure," said UT Transportation Engineering Professor Kara Kockelman.

Meanwhile, business groups, local elected officials and highway industry interests have formed Texans for Traffic Relief.

The group targets commuters to raise awareness about the lack of funds needed to ease traffic in North Texas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.