Governors call for action at bi-state authority meeting; executive director, officers selected
At the first meeting of the bi-state authority for the Bridges Project, Governors Steve Beshear and Mitch Daniels voiced confidence that a funding solution will be achieved and told reporters the project should be completed within 10 years.
Daniels told the authority, “This is not a drill. Decades of dreaming, scheming, hoping are over” and there are “bright prospects ahead of us.” He urged “moving at the speed of business, not the speed of government” and said the authority’s work could become a national model for funding major transportation projects.
Beshear said, “It’s time to turn the dream into a reality.” He called the meeting of the 14-member Authority that will develop the project’s long-term financing and construction plan “an unprecedented” and “historic” event.
The Authority appointed Steve Schultz of Columbus, Ind., executive director and named Joe Prather, former Kentucky Transportation Secretary, chairman of the Authority. Also appointed: Kerry Stemler, vice-chairman; Charles Buddeke, treasurer; and Pat Byrne, secretary. The Authority will hold its next meeting on Feb. 10.
To read a new release from the governors about the meeting, click here.
Beshear's Two-Year budget includes $100 million for Bridges Project
Funding is in addition $231 million already authorized
Govenor Steve Beshar announced that his two-year budget proposal “dedicates an additional $50 million in federal highway funds each year for the Louisville bridges project. This is on top of the $231 million in GARVEE bonds already authorized.” He closed his budget address by mentioning several accomplishments, including legislation for bridges adopted last summer. Of the state’s challenges, he added, “I’m confident that – together – we can get the job done once again.”
To read the govenor's complete budget address, click here.
East End Bridge approach in Indiana features innovative, cost-saving design
A new interchange concept at IN-265 and IN-62 known as the "diverging diamond" is part of the design plan for the East End Bridge approach in Clark County, Indiana. The design will save $66 million while improving safety and traffic flow compared to a traditional cloverleaf interchange. Only one diverging diamond interchange has been built in the United States, but several are planned. To learn more about the interchange and access a video showing traffic navigation, click here.
Kentucky steps up land purchasing for project
With proceeds from $100 million in bonds, Kentucky is contacting property owners to purchase land downtown and in the East End for the Bridges Project. A total of 300 parcels in Kentucky and Indiana will be purchased and both states already have ownership of some of the properties. For details about right-of-way plans and maps, click here.
Governor Beshear announces $100 million for land acquisitions, other project work and says "this project is moving forward, no more lulls, no more hesitations."
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says Kentucky will spend $100 million in bond proceeds for land acquisitions and other work in the east end and downtown, "concrete proof that these bridges are finally going to be built." The Governor, joined by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, heralded the progress at a news conference at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. In Indiana, design features for the Indiana approach to the East End Bridge were unveiled at a public meeting in Utica.
To read Governor Beshear's news release, click here.
Gov. Daniels Names Indiana's Bi-State Authority Members
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels names seven members to represent the state on the bi-state authority for the Bridges Project which is expected to hold its first meeting in January 2010. Like Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Daniels chose a diverse group with business and civic leadership experience.
To read the governor's news release, click here.
Louisville Metro Council Overwhelmingly Approves City's Bridges Authority Members
Metro Council confirms Mayor Jerry Abramson's selections for the bi-state public authority for the Bridges Project. Congratulations to Joe Reagan, Sandra Frazier, Charles Moyer and Ben Richmond. The group is expected to hold its first meeting in December. To read coverage of the council's unanimous committee action on the selections, click here.
Louisville Forum Focuses on Bridges
Kentucky and Indiana are in a position to move quickly on the project with design completion and right-of-way purchases and the bi-state authority over the project expects to meet in December. Work progress and next steps were a key focus of a Louisville Forum discussion on Nov. 11. To read the Jeffersonville Evening News and New Albany Tribune story on the forum discussion, click here.
A news article published Nov. 11 in LEO focuses on River Fields and the group's opposition to the Bridges Project. Click here.
Governor Beshear, Mayor Abramson name Kentucky Bi-State Members
The seven Kentucky bi-state public authority members for the Ohio River Bridges Project are appointed by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. Gov. Beshear said the members are highly qualified and will help bring "this important transportation project to fruition." Mayor Abramson, calling the project "the most important bi-state transportation improvement in our lifetime," said the members are experienced and respected leaders.
Click here to read the governor's news release including the list of members.
Governor Beshear and Governor Daniels Tout Bridges Progress
With Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels at his side, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signs legislation providing for the creation of a bi-state public authority for Bridges Project financing and construction. More than 200 elected officials from both states and project supporters attend the news conference at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville.Click here for video footage by Metro TV.
Click here to read the Courier-Journal's editorial: No Delay on Bridges.
Businesses Show Support for Bridges Project
Nearly 70 companies, including UPS, GE, Ford and Brown-Forman, signed a fullpage newspaper advertisement urging progress on the Ohio River Bridges Project. The ad calls the Bridges Project Louisville and Southern Indiana's "economic stimulus plan" and urges public support for the project.
Click here for the Greater Louisville Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Network news release.