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.