Go Green Campaign News

New bridges authority holds first meeting

By Bennett Haeberle - WDRB-TV Fox 41 News

Seated next to each other, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels promised that the Ohio River Bridges Project would be complete "years before" the project's 2024 deadline.

"We're not looking at next 10 to 15 years out," said Beshear. "We want to push this as fast as we can."

Daniels said, "We're going to beat 2024 by years."

Their remarks came as the Louisville and Southern Indiana Bridge Authority met for the first time since forming last year. The task will fall on the shoulders of its members include finding a way to pay for the $4.1 billion project.

Former Transportation Secretary Joe Prather said he expects tolls will be necessary to pay for "part" of the project.

"Our challenge is to make it as little part as it can be," said Joe Prather, former transportation secretary.

Prather says the group will look to other states to find a tolling model that would ease the tax burden on area residents and focus tolls on out-of-state drivers. Gov. Daniels downplayed the idea that second round of federal stimulus dollars might help.

"It would be a fantasy to think the federal government is going to have much to do with this," said Daniels.

Critics have charged the bi-state bridge group with accomplishing very little, but Prather says that's not the case.

"No in reality there has been a lot going on," said Prather.

The group plans to meet on a regular schedule, the first order of business will be to come up with a financial plan.

"Both the high-speed rail and public transit system should be built before we build a new Ohio River Bridge and increase our interstates," said Jackie Green, mayoral candidate.

Mayoral candidate Jackie Green urged the group to consider other ideas. His cry will not likely be heard. Beshear told reporters this "is" the project.

Last year, the state authorized $231 million in bonds to help pay for the project.

Beshear said Tuesday the state has used $100 million of that to help pay for right-of-ways and secure property for the project.

The group is planning a lengthy meeting for next Wednesday.

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