Now, finally -- after this -- do we hear from Rep. Clere on tolling for the boondoggle? Or does he still not know?

First, some media coverage on today's committee meeting.

Panel Agrees On Recommendations For Bridges Project, at 89.3 WFPL.

A committee of the Louisville and Southern Indiana Bridges Authority is recommending that construction on the $4.1 billion Ohio River Bridges project begin in August of 2012, and that frequent commuters be charged a one dollar toll to help pay for it.

The project includes new Ohio River bridges in downtown Louisville and eastern Jefferson County (right) and a reconfiguration of Spaghetti Junction.

Panel chairman Kerry Stemler says it remains to be seen whether the toll would be charged on just the new bridges or exsiting ones as well, which would require federal approval. He says the one dollar figure is a good starting point.

“That is a target, it’s a number and I think it’s a reasonable number. That’s an opinion of mine. Yours may be different or some other citizen. Remember, though, the total time this community has been paying and where we’re going," he said.

Next, notes from the No 2 Bridge Tolls representative in attendance.

Set goal to begin construction August 2012

Set goal of “frequent commuter” to pay $1 toll each way, other classifications would pay more.

No budget for project was presented

Great effort was spent on presentations to show that the project cannot be paid for without tolls.

Public opposition to tolls was noticed by at least the media that was
present.

We have a state senator on our side ... Paul Fetter spent an hour on the phone with one of our new state senators, Jim Smith. He is on our side and willing to help in what ever way he can, including rallying in the state senate. He is also scheduled to meet with Mitch Daniels on the 20th, and is going to argue our concerns.

No tolls radio interviews ... Paul will be on the Joe Elliot show on 970AM WGTK Friday from 1:00-2:00, and Sunday evening on the Les Naiman show on 970 AM WGTK Sunday (not sure if it will be the 6-7:00PM time slot or the 7-8:00 time slot) Les is also going to try to speak at our meeting Monday at the Sherton, he says comes from the toll capital of the world, and will shed some enlightenment on what to expect.

Upcoming important meetings

12/6/10
5:30pm
No2BridgeTolls @ Sheraton Jeffersonville

12/9/10
10am-noon
Present draft to Authority @ Kentucky International Convention Center Room #109

12/10/10
Present draft to KPTIA
Time: TBA
Location: TBA

12/11/10
Phone banking to rally support for next meeting

12/13/10
5:30pm
No2BridgeTolls @ Sheraton

12/13/10
4-7pm
First public input session
Location: Muhammad Ali Center, View Pointe Hall, 6th floor

12/16/10
10am-noon
Consideration by Louisville & Southern Indiana Bridges Authority
Location: Kentucky International Convention Center Room #109

Pass this information along!

http://www.no2bridgetolls.org/

Thank You,Matt Drexler