May 2011

Bridges Project Begins Final Review
States to Study Cost-Saving Options, Tolling Impacts

The Ohio River Bridges Project will hold public meetings to invite citizens’ comments on alternatives being studied as part of the ongoing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). The two public meetings – one on each side of the river – will be held on June 27 and 28.

The SEIS is required to examine proposed changes in the 2003 Federal Highway Administration Record of Decision, including using tolls as a partial funding source for the new and improved I-65 bridges downtown and the new East End bridge.

The meetings are being held to present information and invite feedback on the proposed alternatives to be studied in the SEIS process:

• Building two new bridges and reconstructing the downtown Louisville interchange as recommended by the 2003 Federal Highway Administration Record of Decision

• Proceeding with the cost-saving versions for two new bridges and the rebuilt downtown interchange as recommended by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

• Or not building any new bridges
  

Exhibits will be on display and project staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions throughout these meetings. A court reporter will also be available to record comments.

A formal presentation and public comment period will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees may sign up at the meeting for an opportunity to speak. Time allotted for each speaker will be determined by the number of individuals who sign up.

In addition to these public meetings, the Bridges Project will meet with members of the Regional Advisory Committee and each of the four Area Advisory Teams during June to provide information and solicit feedback. While these meetings are open for public attendance, the sessions are held to provide information to the designated groups and to obtain input from the group members. Meetings are also scheduled with groups representing local, state and federal governmental agencies and historic preservation interests in the region.

Public hearings and a 45-day public comment period will follow the release of the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement later this year.