Indiana, Kentucky agree commissions will oversee bridges project

Clark County

Discussion

July 15, 2009

More decisions will be made at state level

By DAVID A. MANN The News and Tribune Wed Jul 15, 2009, 12:48 PM EDT

A recently created Ohio River Bridges Project Committee is important because it puts financing and plans in the hands of those making decisions at the state level, according to State Rep. Steve Stemler.

The Jeffersonville representative pushed for the commission’s creation with language in a recently approved state budget.

The commission will be made up of Senate and House of Representatives transportation chairpersons, transportation and finance authority department heads and a fifth member appointed by the governor’s office.

It will have the authority to decide on construction and financing plans for the $4.1 billion project, which seeks to build two new bridges over the Ohio River into Louisville — one in Utica and another in downtown Jeffersonville.

“It’s a big step in the right direction,” said Stemler, D-Jeffersonville.

The budget language follows similar legislation passed in the Kentucky Legislature, providing for a bi-state committee for the project. Stemler said the commission created by the budget language will work with the one authorized in Kentucky.

Cheerleaders for the project laud it as a milestone.

“I was extremely pleased that both states passed that legislation,” said Kerry Stemler, a member of an advocacy group called Build the Bridges Coalition. Kerry Stemler and Steve Stemler are distant cousins.

He said his group worked with legislators and the administration in both states, lobbying for the commissions.

“We really do have people working together on this,” he said. “It’s the perfect way to work on this.”

Asked about it in a recent press availability session, Gov. Mitch Daniels said he didn’t object to the committee’s formation.

“I don’t know if we needed it or not, but anything that presses ahead on this front, you know I’m very much for.”

The project would not only build two bridges, but also reconstruct Louisville’s Spaghetti Junction — where Interstate 65, 64 and 71 come together near the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge.

Tolling has support

Tolls have been considered as a possible means of financing for the project — on both sides of the river and even on already existing bridges.

Many local officials have been open to the idea.

“Sure, it might be the way to get it built at all and certainly might be the way to get it built most quickly,” Daniels said. “And you know, those who use the facility paying for it is a pretty fair and time-tested policy.”

Steve Stemler believes it has to be a part of the discussion, but hopes Major Moves money can minimize tolls.

“I’m for whatever it takes to build the bridges,” said Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan.

Jeffersonville City Council President Connie Sellers stopped short of saying she would be open to tolls.

“I would not want to see that happen,” she said.

Councilman Mike Smith — whose district would contain one of the bridges — said he would be open to tolling as a funding option.

Those officials, unless appointed to the new commission by Daniels, would not have much of a say in whether the tolls become a reality, however.

Ultimately, that would be the decision of the new committees, Steve Stemler said.

There are other bridge proposals, as well. The group 8664’s primary focus is to get the east-end bridge built and hopefully remove Interstate 64 along Louisville’s waterfront, in favor of a surface-level street.

Daniels to join Beshear today

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will join Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today when he signs a bill creating a bi-state authority to work on transportation projects, including the Ohio River Bridges. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, as well as members of community organizations that support construction of the bridges, will participate, a press release from Daniels’ office says.

It will take place at 1:30 today at Louisville’s Waterfront Park, in front of the new Abraham Lincoln Statue, 129 River Road.

— Contributed