Governor’s two-year budget includes $100 million for Bridges Project

Funding is in addition to $231 million already authorized

Support for the Bridges Project was reiterated January 19th by Governor Steve Beshear in his budget address.

The governor 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.”

His next sentence in the address speaks volumes about the importance of the Bridges Project: “Maintaining existing jobs and creating new jobs is the fastest way for Kentucky to emerge from this recession, and this budget helps accomplish that.”

The governor 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 Governor Beshear’s complete budget address, click here.

Gov. Beshear’s comments and budget proposal underscore his commitment for the project which is shared with Gov. Daniels. Both governors have repeatedly expressed their support for progress as quickly as possible.  Leadership in both states have been discussing project developments and planning the first bi-state public authority meeting.  The Coalition has encouraged a meeting as quickly as possible and we expect an announcement soon on the first meeting date.

The states are well aware of the importance of updating the project’s Finance Plan this year to avoid jeopardizing federal funding for other transportation projects due to federal regulations.  In a story on January 19th, The Courier-Journal explored the project’s Finance Plan and implications if deadlines for updating the plan are not met. While local elected officials in the region expressed concern, bi-state authority and state officials stressed a commitment to work hard to ensure the Finance Plan is completed this year.

To read the Courier-Journal story, click here.

The paper also reported on the “diverging diamond” interchange that is part of the Indiana approach to the East End bridge.  This design will save the project $66 million while improving traffic flow and safety.  To read more about this interchange and to access animation showing the interchange traffic-flow patterns, go to www.thebridgescoalition.com.  You can read the Courier-Journal story by clicking here.

01/22/2010