The New-Harmony Gazette Publisher Responds To CCO Blogger
The Harmony Way Bridge has never been condemned or closed by either the State of Indiana or Illinois. It was closed by the White County Bridge Commission and barricades were put up on the Indiana State Police to block access in accord with the White County Bridge Commission desire. For $30,000 dollars, according to a bridge study, done by Bridge engineer James Barker in 2012, the bridge could have been opened within one month of it’s closing and earning as much as $600,000 per year in tolls and additional $500,000 per year for New Harmony and Posey County in transient income.
That’s my point, disaffected. If Posey County politicians had the guts they would have taken title to the bridge for $1 dollar in 2014 and the bridge would be paying for itself and helping the people of White County Illinois and North Posey County. The White County Bridge. Commission is a legal entity and it was created by Congress but it can only be sold to another government entity such as the State of Illinois, Indiana or White or Posey County. For $1 the Posey County Commission can have full legal authority over the Harmony Way Bridge just as they do the Memorial Bridge in Mt. Vernon.
As a matter of fact there has never been any bridge engineers study that came any where close to the $15 million dollars you quote for rehabilitating the Harmony Way Bridge. Learn the facts before you spout off. You apparently don’t live in New Harmony, Indiana or White County, Illinois.
I have over 2500 petition signature from both, demanding that the bridge be opened. Your the odd man out “disaffected.â€
Posted by Dan Barton
Publisher Of The New-Harmony Gazette
FOOTNOTE: Â The City County Observer posted this article without opinion, bias or editing.
I guess New Harmony is one of the neatest and most historic little towns I have ever been in. I was with the first construction crew to develop Harmony Park 45 years ago and I remember praying for rain so I could make my presence known in the Yellow Tavern. I used the bridge in a different profession God only knows how many times over the years and basically being raised on the Wabash River got a thrill each time I crossed it because the river is ingrained in my being.
The bridge would serve no financial purpose for me anymore but whenever I got to the age where I knew it wasn’t very wise to buy green bananas, I realized what I could do to help the common good not just my selfish self is a reward in itself.
Anyway, my wife and I want to sign your petition Barton. She will be back from Chicago Monday so if you’ll let me know where we can find a copy in New Harmony we’ll be there Monday to do it because it’s been way too long since I’ve visited that fine little miracle on the Wabash.
By the way, if the same bridge in the same situation would have been located in Marion county, it not only would have been kept open but probably had gold plated beams.
Riney….
Comments are closed.