HARRISBURG — A top state senator said Wednesday that he plans to introduce legislation to pump another $2.5 billion a year into Pennsylvania’s transportation system as part of a challenge to get Gov. Tom Corbett to come up with his own plan on a widely acknowledged and persistent problem.

Besides, the money, which would come largely from higher gas taxes and motorist fees, could generate work and jobs in a tough economy, said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman.

“I think it’s the most important thing we could be doing,” Corman said. “Of all the issues being discussed this fall — whether it be school vouchers, whether it be education reform, whether it be Marcellus Shale, privatization — none of those have economic benefit. We’re in a tough economy right now, we need jobs. We need people creating jobs. This will have an impact.”

Corman, R-Centre, said his plan will be modeled on recommendations from Corbett’s hand-picked Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, which laid out a five-year plan to raise approximately $2.5 billion in new funding for the state’s beleaguered highways, bridges and mass transit agencies.

Drafting the bills began Wednesday, an aide to Corman said. The commission issued its report Aug. 1. A spokesman for the Republican governor said Wednesday that Corbett continues to consider the commission’s recommendations.

However, Corbett, a Republican who took a campaign pledge to oppose higher taxes and fees, has said that he doesn’t believe the economy is strong enough to heap a heavier burden on motorists.

Corman countered that the cost — 70 cents per driver per week in the first year and $2.54 per driver per week in the fifth year, according to the commission — is a wash when considering the cost to sit in traffic or drive on poorly maintained roads.

“It’s not a matter of saving the citizens of Pennsylvania money by not doing this,” Corman said. “The money’s going to be spent one way or another. Why not spend it to fix the problem?”

This year, PennDOT is scheduled to spend $5.2 billion on highways, bridges and transit, including federal money.

The recommendations have received broad support from business-sector advocates, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, as well as Democrats.

“It is extremely important that we address our transportation crisis,” Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, said.

Pennsylvanians currently pay state taxes of 32.3 cents a gallon for gasoline.