Can the Bridges Project be Changed?

I started thinking about writing this column when the initial news came out about the possibility of downsizing the plan.  I had to change gears a few times as more information came out and my deadline was before the meeting held on Thursday January 6th.

I was at the meeting and one person said that the new plan did not mean they had to reopen the "RECORD OF DECISION" and another person said that it would be up to the Federal Highway people to decide.

CAN THE BRIDGES PROJECT BE CHANGED?


...One of the universal statements that is constantly being repeated is The “Bridges Authority” cannot change the size and scope of the project.


...Imagine my surprise when I read in the newspaper that Indiana’s Governor has been discussing downsizing the plans during closed door meetings...


...So now the two state’s Governors and the Louisville  Mayor have said they are interested in downsizing the project, and eliminating the need for tolls on the Sherman Minton and Clark Memorial bridges...


At the meeting the Bridges Authority announced that there would not be tolls on Sherman Minton or Clark Memorial Bridges, they are still waiting on word if they will be able to toll the Kennedy Bridge.  It is clear that they are unwilling to work on a plan that would eliminate tolls altogether.

If the size and scope of the project can be changed, why would they consider downsizing the most popular part of the plan.  The East End Bridge is also the one with the most potential in eliminating the bottle neck that occurs when traffic is forced to drive through downtown Louisville.

According to the CN2 poll that was taken in August 50.3% of the people support building the East End Bridge, by far the most popular plan.  Compare that to the entire Bridges plan that only has the support of 14.5%.

While I do applaud Indiana’s Governor for finally listening to the citizens that live in Southern Indiana, I still am worried that he is too attached to the idea of tolling.  He is on record saying that those who use/benefit should pay for the project.  The problem is it is hard to collect from those who will benefit most.

Tolling on the Ohio River Bridges is a very unpopular idea.  Now the politicians have  taken notice and are attempting to add their two cents.



The news this week that the project could be downsized is welcome to many citizens of Southern Indiana.  Downsizing the plan is an important step, as long as it is downsized in a logical way.  We cannot afford to get this wrong, we are already spending too much money correcting the mistakes of the past.