Gov. Scott Walker is seeking to sell off hundreds of millions of dollars in power plants or other state assets to help pay some of the borrowing he is proposing as part of his two-year $6.4 billion transportation plan unveiled Friday.

The controversial move to sell the 37 power and heating plants - already being outlined to lawmakers - would, if it happened, help the Republican governor and the state keep on schedule with key Milwaukee area projects such as the Zoo Interchange and Hoan Bridge. The move could also have the unexpected effect of linking the prices paid by some utility customers to the financing of the state's road system.

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The plants include units that serve University of Wisconsin campuses in Milwaukee, Madison and elsewhere, state prisons and the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.

Terrance McGowan, president and business manager of the operating engineers' local, praised Walker for bringing a ray of hope to workers at his union. McGowan's union endorsed Walker in the 2010 race.