LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW-HARMONY GAZETTE
by: Dan Barton Friday, March 29, 2019
HARMONY WAY BRIDGE COMMISSIONER LORA ARNEBERG’S EMAIL TO NEW HARMONY GAZETTE PUBLISHER REGARDING BRIDGE LEGISLATION PENDING IN WASHINTON D.C.
Dan:
I did want to expand on one point in your [bridge legislation] article… you wrote that in 2018 Congress voted to allow the White County Bridge Commission (WCBC) to transfer ownership to the new bi-state bridge commission. That is slightly incorrect, and the ownership transfer to the new bridge authorities is important [but] it’s not the only thing the federal bill will do.
The original 1941 legislation, and following amendments, required that the WCBC vote to transfer title to an adjoining entity, but it would not give the new owner (in this case the bi-state authority), the right to continue any tolling or use fees (as it was assumed it would be passing to an adjoining government entity with a budget) These bi-state authorities are new entities with no state budgets. They can apply for grants but the ability to toll and charge user fees ( in a pedestrian use situation) is vital.
There may be a vote by the WCBC but there could also just be a direct transfer by the federal government. However, the biggest thing this legislation will do is allow the new bi-state authorities the ability to continue to charge for use of the bridge as the WCBC did.
As a reminder, the two-state bridge authorities were established because it offers many important long term sustainability for the operation of the bridge.
The WCBC:-Paid property taxes to both Indiana and Illinois. -Bought insurance in the private market. -Commissioners were appointed at the federal level.
The state bridge authorities will not have to buy insurance on the private market and will be exempt from property taxes (two major savings), and the members are appointed by the surrounding towns, counties, and governors – so the management will be in local hands.
I’d be happy to discuss this in more detail if you like, but I thought that was an important point to clarify.
Thanks
Lora Arneberg
