Republicans in the Minnesota House are proposing a $684 million package of construction projects that includes the controversial Northstar commuter rail line but would scuttle a previously approved commuter bus route.

The House spending plan, almost all of which would be paid for with new borrowing, is about $73 million less than Gov. Tim Pawlenty recommended and at least $200 million less than the competing proposal being developed by Senate Democrats.

Several high-profile projects backed by Pawlenty