Six Months and $20 million Later...

A who's who of Kentuckiana politics descended upon the New Albany Fire Department Headquarters Friday morning to deliver the news that the cost and time frame estimates to repair the Sherman Minton Bridge would be six months and $20 million.





Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan now looks like a genius having his estimate of six months just after the bridge was closed on September 9th, while everyone else was waiting until after the entire inspection was completed.

News and Tribune Coverage:  Governors: Bridge fix to take six months

Everyone seemed optimistic that coming up with federal funds would be easier since October first marks the first day of the fiscal year and there would be more money available that was not already spoken for.

I would like to Thank the Bridges Authority for all their hard work and holding a meeting!

The Louisville and Southern Indiana Bridges Authority wasted another couple of hours Thursday morning patting themselves on the back and thanking each other on all the hard work they have put into the process.

Holding a meeting just two days after the big announcement that the Indiana and Kentucky governors along with the mayor of Louisville would like to see the project downsized, they made it clear that this would not have to reopen the Record of Decision.  Until the next 30 seconds when they stated that would be up to the Federal Highways.

They also made it clear that tolling will be a part of the funding plan.

My Friday Column tomorrow discusses in more detail how I feel about the new plan.

I'll take WHAT'S ON PEOPLE'S MIND for $200, Alex

This week in MY FRIDAY COLUMN I tackled a few different topics that are on the minds of concerned citizens these days:


MY FRIDAY COLUMN: A Little Dried, Mixed Flower Petals

Jeffersonville and Bridge tolls:

...If I wanted to be a State Senator, whose job would begin on January 1st, I think I would start reading up on the subject.  The legislature will be asked to sign off on any plan that the Bi-State Authority comes up with.


New Albany City Council Needs to balance budget:


...More than one council members have said that when they leave office there will be no deficit, but so far they have done nothing to correct the problem.


Mayor England Announces He is Running for Re-election:


This city has a pretty consistent recorded of throwing mayor’s out after only one term so I have some doubts about his chances...Without anyone else officially announcing their intentions, I would assume he would be the front runner.


Some pretty hot topics in the news these days and as elections get closer, I am sure things will only get hotter.  I look forward to hearing what you think and, as always...Thanks for reading!

The Bridges Debate

The Jeffersonville City Council got into the debate on Monday night after first refusing to even vote on it at their last meeting.  Councilman Keith Fetz introduced the ordinance and then was the only one who voted in favor of denouncing the tolls.

Indiana State Senate candidate Ron Grooms reportedly said he would not make decisions for something he knew nothing about.  I would expect someone who wants to be a leader in Southern Indiana to familiarize themselves with the largest project this region will ever see.

I have devoted a lot of column space to the fight against the possible plan to use tolls as a way to fund the Ohio River Bridges Project.

After I held a meeting with the "SAY NO TO TOLLS" group, and then attended a "Bridges Authority"  meeting I felt it was important for everyone to stand up against the tolls.
YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD

The New Albany City Council took a huge step by being the first government body to stand up to the "Bridges Authority" by introducing and approving a resolution against tolling on bridges to pay for the project.  Since that time the Louisville Metro Council has also taken steps to vote on a similar resolution.
CITY COUNCIL CAN SEND CLEAR MESSAGE

I cannot understand why anyone would think that tolls are a good idea.  It is hard enough to get people to come to New Albany without charging them and Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay to work in Kentucky.
WE MUST SAY NO TO TOLLS

It is one of the most important decisions that will be made and have the largest effect on our region in my lifetime.