"Last Chance to Comment on Tolling for the Ohio River Bridges Project."

(submitted by Paul Fetter)

No2bridgetoll Supporters:  The Indiana Finance Authority has proven what we have said all along! Tolling I-65 will cost Indiana residents and business BILLIONSof dollars and cause jobs losses! The SFEIS (Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Study) results of the "Public Comments overwhelmingly show public sentiment: "East End Bridge Only, No Action Downtown, and No Tolls ! The Ogle Foundations Study supports these results! Still we have tolling on the Kennedy Bridge and a Downtown Bridge that is not wanted and will not increase traffic delivery! The Project Team Ignored the Public Comment part of the process! Last Chance to Comment on Tolling for the Ohio River Bridges Project! Email: John Sacksteder at Ohio River Bridges Project jsacksteder@ctsgec.com and Janice Osadczuk at FHWA Janice.Osadczuk@dot.gov Thank You Paul Fetter Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc No2bridgetolls.org (812) 283-5555 Ext 27 paul@clarkcountyaa.com

New Albany follows Jeffersonville with a resolution against tolling   "...The resolution calls for the construction of a downtown bridge to be delayed until other funding or financing options beyond tolling are presented. But in the interim, the measure urges the Federal Highway Administration to deny tolling on Interstate 65 and any existing bridges or interstates, and for the east-end bridge to be built..." Read the entire New Albany Tribune article here.

"Will Your Business Be Affected By Tolling?"

(Submitted by No2BridgeTolls.org)

---

Will Your Business Be Affected By Tolling?

Please Attend Economic Impact Public Hearing and Share Your Concerns on Thursday, April 26th

The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) has received an Economic Impact Study analyzing the impact of using a public-private financial and project-delivery structure for the East End Crossing portion of the proposed Ohio River Bridges Project. Public comments are being accepted online and a public hearing has been scheduled.

For detailed information on the study and the online comment form, visit the Bridges Authority website, www.bridgesauthority.com.

Make sure to attend and comment!

Public hearing on Economic Impact Study:
April 26, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
Sheraton Riverside Hotel
700 W. Riverside Dr. Jeffersonville, IN

Public comments also accepted during the same time via a video feed at:

University of Louisville
Shelby Campus
Founders Union Building, Room 218
9001 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY

Questions? Please email or call.

Thank You

Paul Fetter
No2bridgetolls.org
(812) 283-5555 Ext 27
paul@clarkcountyaa.com

Udpate on Drummanard Estate

If you read and responded to our last email regarding de-listing the Drummanard Estate--thank you! We are currently awaiting the outcome as the decision date has been pushed back by a few days.

About No2BridgeTolls.org

We are a broad-based coalition of businesses, organizations and private individuals who are opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System. Our targeted focus has been driven by recent announcements by the governors of both states to shift the financing burden for all of the downtown infrastructure needs to the Kennedy Bridge and its I-65 supporting new Downtown Bridge. We have formed under the entity of "Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc." (OBSI.) Our purpose is to educate the public of the true impact of the current proposed bridge toll on both sides of the river. We are a 501-C6 non-profit organization that has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information. We are not against the bridges--just tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System, which will divide our community, be a regressive tax that our citizens and businesses cannot afford, and will adversely affect the local economy, disproportionately affecting Southern Indiana.

Tolls are NOT a "Done Deal."

With no further clarifications in route from Develop New Albany, we look instead to Paul Fetter (No 2 Bridge Tolls) for this update.

Many No Tolls supporters have recently contacted their legislative representatives to continue to urge "No Tolls." One supporter received a short response from a legislator that said basically, "Sorry, tolls are a done deal." It is unfortunate that we have uninformed elected officials (some not all) who believe the 'reality' that ORBP is spinning. They continue to use the tactic to further the perception that tolls are a 'done deal.'

However, that is not the case. The Federal Government has NOT approved tolling yet. The 2012 transportation bill has not passed, and it is not likely to before the deadline at the end of this month. Because of this, Federal Highways will revert to the old transportation bill, which includes language that says no tolling on existing interstates. They make a provision, allowing for 3 exemptions per year, and all 3 are used in 2012, (and NOT for the Ohio River Bridges Project). Of course 2013 and out is open, and no doubt the Bridges Authority are lobbying for a 4th exemption, but doubt the banks will loan this kind of money ($2 billion) on a promise for a future exemption with so many states and projects vying for these exemptions.

The power brokers in the ORBP continue to use "perception as reality" because they hope to create the illusion that it is a done deal and therefore the public will stop the resistance and this deal will fly. We must continue work on the FHWAA and our Congressmen and Senators, letting them know that "tolling" is not an acceptable solution for financing in our community, nor acceptable on existing highways per the transportation bill.

We are still working, we have a meeting with our Congressman Todd Young, Tuesday and will keep everyone informed of the truth.

In other recent news:

Lee Dulaney (granddaughter of River Fields founder Archibald Cochran) chastised River Fields and ORBP short-sighted planning in a letter which was published in the Courier-Journal on March 19, 2012:

Shortsighted planning

I am writing to express my dismay about the shortsighted planning of the Ohio River Bridges Project. As a Louisville native who has lived in other waterfront communities, Seattle and San Francisco, I find it utterly amazing that our city, county and state leaders would choose to further junk up our waterfront with more steel and concrete - this while the aforementioned cities are working to clear their waterfronts and make them more accessible to residents.

We have a great start with the current Waterfront Park. Why not add even more green space? Please build the East End Bridge first and come up with an alternative for downtown.

If our city continues on this current path, I believe that our children and grandchildren will pay the ultimate price, that price being a city that is unable to compete with more visionary cities in attracting businesses, brain power and families that want a vibrant community in which to raise future generations.

As the granddaughter of the founder of River Fields, Archibald Cochran, I believe that he would be disappointed by the tricks and stalls of the current organization and the path we now appear to be heading down. I don't believe this is what he had in mind for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when he envisioned a great river city.

LEE DULANEY

Mandy Connell Interviews Denis Frankenberger

If you missed Mandy Connell's March 20th show where she called out the fact that there's a lot about the bridges situation that looks dirty and/or irresponsible, be sure and listen to her interview with Denis Frankberger who has made it a personal mission to expose the "stupidity" of the East End Tunnel. According to his research even two consultants hired by the Bridges Authority confirmed there is no historical authenticity to the Drummanard Estate. Stay tuned as he takes on this challenge, potentially in the courts on behalf of taxpayers.

No Tolls Supporters: Public input meetings Monday (12/19) and Tuesday (12/20); "Tell Them No Tolls."

(From Paul Fetter on behalf of No2BridgeTolls.org)

---

Today and Tuesday are your last chances to have your voice heard. This is VERY IMPORTANT! The tolling decisions that are made will be with us for generations. Come and represent your views for your family and community. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

Tell them:

1. Build what you can afford! Do not toll I-65, it will divide our community.

2. It is wrong to put new tolls on existing highways.

3. The Ohio River Brides Project is three parts: East End Bridge, Downtown Bridge, and Kennedy Interchange. You cannot toll I-65 if the Kennedy Interchange is not tolled. It is unfair for Indiana residents.

4. There is no tolling senario that is fair for Indiana residents. Hoosiers will pay an unfair amount of tolls if either bridge is tolled. Even though tolling only the East End Bridge will still create finacial inequity for Hoosiers, most will accept tolls on the East End Bridge to get a bridges project, but there must not be tolling on I-65.

https://kyinbridges.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k1/

Or to:
John Sacksteder
Community Transportation Solutions
305 North Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40222
Email: jsacksteder@ctsgec.com
(502) 394-3847

Meeting dates and times:

December 19, 2011
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Brown & Williamson Club
2800 S. Floyd St., Gate 6
Louisville, KY

December 20, 2011
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, IN

ORBP: Comment process and upcoming public meetings.

(submitted)

No2bridgetoll Supporters:

Federal Highways and the Ohio River Bridges Project Team will be taking comments on the SDEIS. (The reduced two bridge solution.)

All comments are part of the environmental process. Take part in process and address your tolling concerns, and alternative ideas.

Residents that work on either side of the river will have to pay tolls each way daily. This is unfair because drivers using the new Kennedy Interchange will not pay tolls. This portion of the project represents a third of the projects total cost. Only users of the bridges paying tolls will be unfair and a direct cause of regional division.

• Southern Indiana residents will pay a highly disproportional amount of tolls.

• All of our affected local governing bodies have passed resolutions that oppose tolling our existing transportation routes because they know it will be bad for our community!

• Southern Indiana businesses will pay a highly disproportionate amount of tolls.

• Southern Indiana retail and tourism businesses will be negatively affected by tolling.

The recent closing of the Sherman Minton Bridge is an example of how this will happen. Reduction in Kentucky consumers has resulted in significant losses for Southern Indiana businesses. When challenged with the inconvenience of the bridge closure, Kentucky consumers chose not to shop Southern Indiana. Tolling I-65 will create a worse scenario than this because it requires participation in a process and money. In time this combination wil eliminate Kentucky consumerism in Southern Indiana.

Submit written comment using below link:

https://kyinbridges.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k1/

Or to:
John Sacksteder
Community Transportation Solutions
305 North Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40222
Email: jsacksteder@ctsgec.com
(502) 394-3847

Attend these public meetings:

December 19, 2011
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Brown & Williamson Club
2800 S. Floyd St., Gate 6
Louisville, KY

December 20, 2011
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Lakeview
505 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, IN

Thank You,

Paul Fetter
Co-founder
Organization For A Better Southern Indiana, Inc.
No2bridgetolls.org
(812) 283-5555 Ext 27
paul(at)clarkcountyaa(dot)com

Lest we forget: The no-tolls effort continues.

(submitted)

No Tolls Supporters:

The Federal Highway Administration has still NOT approved tolling on I-65 for the Ohio River Bridges Project.

Something is giving them doubt--we need to reinforce it!

Tolling I-65 will be bad for our river city community and we need to keep sending FHWA officials our letters!

Use the following points to create a letter. Simply click on the appropriate email address below then copy and paste the text (edit as needed) and send to the FWHA to voice your opposition to tolls--or use your own words. But tell the FHWA NO TOLLS:

"I do not believe my voice and opposition to tolls has been heard because of bureaucratic process and disinformation by the Bridges Project Team. My position remains: No tolls-build what we can afford beginning with the East End Bridge."

• Our community has spoken! No Tolls on I-65! All of our local elected government and our citizens are opposed to tolling I-65.
• Tolling I-65, the main transportation route through our community will create a socio-economic division in our river city.
• The burden of the tolls will lay heavily on the working class of our community.
• Tolling I-65 will create a heavy burden on Southern Indiana businesses that will spill over creating a negative impact on all of Southern Indiana.
• The Sherman Minton bridge has had a negative impact on both sides of the river--the same impact that tolling the I-65 will have!

INDIANA FHWA: Bob Tally, (FHWA co chair) Indiana Division: robert.tally@dot.gov, P: (317) 226-7476, Fax: (317) 226-7341

KENTUCKY FHWA: Jose Sepulveda, Division Administrator, Kentucky Division Office, Federal Highway Administration: jose.sepulveda@dot.gov, 330 West Broadway, Room 264, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 P: (502)223-6720 FAX: (502)223-6735

FEDERAL FHWA:
Ray Lahood - Cheryl J Walker/ Special Assistant
Federal Highway Administration
Office of the Federal Highway Administrator
(202) 366-6378
Cheryl.Walker@dot.gov

About No2BridgeTolls.org
We are a broad-based coalition of businesses, organizations and private individuals who are opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System. Our targeted focus has been driven by recent announcements by the governors of both states to shift the financing burden for all of the downtown infrastructure needs to the Kennedy Bridge and its I-65 supporting new Downtown Bridge. We have formed under the entity of "Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc." (OBSI.) Our purpose is to educate the public of the true impact of the current proposed bridge toll on both sides of the river. We are a 501-C6 non-profit organization that has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information. We are not against the bridges--just tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System, which will divide our community, be a regressive tax that our citizens and businesses cannot afford, and will adversely affect the local economy, disproportionately affecting Southern Indiana.

No2BridgeTolls.org reminds us: "Tolls still on the table."

(From No2BridgeTolls.org)

Tolls still on the table

The Ohio River Bridges Authority will be selecting a method of building the bridges in October, (Read CJ article) but tolls are still on the table unless the Federal Highway Administration intervenes. Please send a message to FHWA representatives below that you are opposed to tolls. Here's a draft message that you can edit to your particular concerns regarding tolls, but please send a message to the Federal Highway Administration representatives list below:

I stand with other members of this community who are opposed to tolls on I-65. Tolls on I-65 will have a negative impact on the local economy. Public comments are 3-1 against tolls on I-65. There are 9 resolutions from all surrounding local councils opposed to tolling I-65. Other resolutions against tolls on I-65 include two from local government associations, Southern Indiana Tourism Bureau, Jeffersonville Main Street Association, statements from Jeffersonville mayor Tom Galligan, and New Albany Mayor Doug England. Over 11,000 people signed petitions opposing tolls on I-65. Those signatures were collected over just 9 weeks.

Bob Tally, (FHWA co-chair) Indiana Division

robert.tally@dot.gov

P: (317) 226-7476

Fax: (317) 226-7341

Jose Sepulveda, Division Administrator, Kentucky Division Office

Federal Highway Administration

jose.sepulveda@dot.gov

330 West Broadway, Room 264
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

P: (502)223-6720

Fax: (502)223-6735

Ray Lahood - Cheryl J Walker/ Special Assistant

Federal Highway Administration

Office of the Federal Highway Administrator

(202) 366-6378

Cheryl.Walker@dot.gov

(Illustration is NAC's)

A crack in the shade: More Ohio River Bridges comments sought.

When the Bridges Authority sought input during a previous, federally mandated public comment period, it was perhaps less a question of what the public wanted and more a time to ponder (again) whether the Bridges Authority, elected officials, and other proponents of the project as proposed would actually listen.

I'm cautiously optimistic but, in response to the many prescient voices that have emerged from the trenches over the past few years, perhaps they're starting to do that. As Paul Fetter of No 2 Bridge Tolls said, "This has been a very long, tiring process, but as I look back, we have achieved many great accomplishments." That getting the requisite heavies to a point of at least considering genuine discourse has been so laborious isn't exactly a source of regional pride. The community strength developed through that labor, though, most certainly is.

Along those lines, more public comment is both requested and necessary.

Straight from the Ohio River Bridges Project:

The Ohio River Bridges Project is currently developing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. As part of this process, we are seeking comments on key documents being released Aug 10, 2011. One document explores the Range of Alternatives being considered, click here to view. The other compares the 2003 EIS Selected Alternative to the 2011 Modified Selected Alternative, click here to view. Public comments will be received through August 25 at 5 p.m. To submit comments via email, click here or send written comments to:

John Sacksteder
Community Transportation Solutions
305 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40222

Important to note is a change in the descriptions of possible alternatives, even if they're not yet reflected in action.

6 Recommended Range of Alternatives

Based upon funds in the 2003 FEIS/ROD, preliminary studies and staff input, we propose considering the following range of alternatives in the SEIS

*No Build

*Selected Alternative (without Tolls) This alternative is the same as the Selected Alternative approved in the ROD; it does not include tolls. It is not a reasonable alternative because it is not financially feasible; it is being considered in the SEIS as a baseline for comparison with the proposed modifications to this alternative.

*All Alternatives Previously Evaluated in the 2003 FEIS The alternatives, considered in the 2003 FEIS and previously discussed in this document will be reevaluated to the extent necessary to determine if they warrant detailed study as viable alternatives.

*Modified Selected Alternative (with Tolls) This alternative would include many of the elements of the Selected Alternative, with tolls, but would also include reducing the Far East Bridge, and roadway, and evaluate design options to reduce the cost of constructing the east end tunnel; reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange in Downtown Louisville in-place; and removing a pedestrian/bikeway facility from the Downtown Bridge.

After considering public and agency input on the alternatives presented above, all findings and the bases thereof will be presented in the Draft SEIS. Although TSM as a standalone alternative will not meet purpose and need, it will be evaluated in the Draft SEIS for further consideration a part of any selected alternative.

Have at it, and know that you're at least making it more difficult for narrow if well-connected interests to dictate the terms of debate. That's a step toward real discourse.

No 2 Bridge Tolls: "Countdown to Silence: July 13th Deadline to Voice Opposition to Tolls."

We've given Vaughan Scott his say, and now it is Paul Fetter's turn. Paul speaks on behalf of www.No2BridgeTolls.org, which represents those small, independent local businesses in Southern Indiana -- the ones that bridges project proponents such as Spencer "Gohmann Asphalt" Coe recently has intemperately threatened with boycotts: At long last, an oligarch's toady who is honest in his vituperation.

You know what NAC thinks, and has been saying all along: No Tolls, period. Please take Paul's advice and tell it (in many cases, tell it again) to the officials who'll be ruling on your future. Thanks.

---

Last Chance for Your Voice to Be Heard: July 13th Deadline--Act Now!

Dear "No Tolls" Supporter:

This is your chance to be heard by officials who will be making the decisions to toll the Ohio River Bridges, specifically I-65. Tell them in your own words how tolls will negatively impact you, your family, friends, and business owners. And please share this email with all your family, friends and associates who will be impacted by tolls.

Time is running out! To help you with your comments, we have prepared two suggested letters that you can personalize so your voice is heard. Following these letters are some bullet points you may wish to include. Be sure to tell them how tolls will impact you, your family, friends, and the community.

Follow this link to express your opposition to tolls before July 13, 2011!

Template letter A (personalize to your unique situation): I support improving the infrastructure. Spending more than we have is why America is in financial trouble. Build what we can afford and start with the East End Bridge. Do not finance with tolls!

Tolling will be a new "Hoosier tax" (cost of being a Hoosier) in this river city community. Southern Indiana is part of the complete Louisville Metro Area, representing about 1/8 of the population, yet absorbing 80% of the tolling. Tolls will have a disproportionate impact on Southern Indiana as 40,000 Hoosiers commute to Louisville on a daily basis. Almost all Hoosiers have to travel to Louisville, very few Kentuckians have to travel to Indiana. This will take $50 million a year out of our Southern Indiana economy annually in tolls alone.

Template letter B (personalize to your unique situation): I am opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor. I believe we should build what we can afford with the $1.9 Billion we have and start with the East End Bridge. My family and I cross the river daily and tolling, even at the target rate, will impact what we have to spend in the community. These dollars will leave the area and my family will suffer. I also believe that target toll rates will increase every year adding to the burden on my family.

On behalf of my family, I am urging you to find a means to improve the infrastructure without tolls. Many people have worked tirelessly for decades to unite the communities on both sides of the river. Tolls will divide us for the next 50 years.

Here are some additional points you might want to include in your letter:

I am not opposed to improving the infrastructure

Tolls are bad for the community on both sides of the river

Tolls will have a disproportionate impact on Southern Indiana as 40,000 Hoosiers commute to Louisville on a daily basis; almost all Hoosiers have to travel to Louisville, which is likely to take $50 million a year out of our Southern Indiana economy. Tolling will be a new "Hoosier tax" (cost of being a Hoosier) in this river city community. Southern Indiana is part of the complete Louisville Metro Area, representing about 1/8 of the population, yet absorbing 80% of the tolling expense. This is extremely disproportionate!

Tolls will take millions out of the Kentuckiana economy every year

Even a target rate toll of $1 will mean a 4% tax on a single mom earning $15,000/yr in her job across the river (relate this to a student, family member or friend you may know)

Tolls on the I-65 bridge will be a tax on Hoosiers who drive to Louisville daily for work, school, spiritual enlightenment, medical, and entertainment

Businesses on both sides of the river will suffer

Indiana retail and tourism businesses will be significantly impacted, loosing significant revenue from Kentucky consumers, and from local shoppers which have been impacted with a "new tax"

Target toll rates will increase every year

Build what we can afford now; don't over finance this community

The Kennedy Bridge traffic is more than was originally intended but is actually down since 2003. Source: http://transportation.ky.gov/planning/data/cts/cts.asp

Bridges are not the bottleneck to our traffic problems: I-65 cannot be widened because of the bottleneck at "hospital curve" in Louisville and I-64 has the Cochran Hill Tunnel bottleneck. Neither of these issues is addressed by building another downtown bridge.

Businesses will pay a higher toll rate for commercial vehicles....many of these businesses have multiple vehicles that cross the bridges multiple times a day.

There is no transparency of what this will cost businesses in Kentuckiana

I urge elected and appointed officials to find a reasonable means to improve
infrastructure without tolls.

Tolls on the I-65/Kennedy bridges system will have a very negative impact on this region, dividing our river city community.

Come to the Tolling Authority's public meetings next week and say "no" to bridge tolls.

On Tuesday night, www.No2bridgetolls.org held a public meeting at the Buckhead Mountain Grill in Jeffersonville. The purpose was, "To inform supporters of strategic initiatives in advance of the upcoming June 27 and 28th Bridges Authority Public Meetings."

The media was there, and the News and Tribune's David Mann summarized next week's two critical public meetings:

Group urges members to voice toll opposition

... Tuesday’s meeting was held in advance of two public meetings of the bridges authority, scheduled for next week. The first meeting is 4 p.m. Monday at the Holiday Inn Lakeview, 505 Marriott Dr. in Clarksville; the second meeting is 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Hurstbourne, 1325 Hurstbourne Pkwy. in Louisville.

It's simple: If you are opposed to tolls, you need to do whatever you can to arrange your schedule and attend one of these meetings. We have the facts, and we need bodies to back them up. Speaking for myself, I can attend the Monday meeting in Indiana for a bit at the beginning, and will be there for all of Tuesday night's Kentucky session.

Other coverage at the C-J is here: Anti-tolls group rallies supporters ahead of bridges meetings

Other sites of interest:

Say No to Bridge Tolls: http://www.youtube.com/user/saynotobridgetolls

No2BridgeTolls at YouTube: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/No2BridgeTolls/160386417337040

No Tolls on the Sherman Minton or Kennedy Bridges Ever: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NO-TOLLS-ON-SHERMAN-MINTON-OR-KENNEDY-BRIDGES-EVER/308004181768?ref=ts

Benny Breeze proposes a pro-bridges pogram, but at least No2BridgeTolls is still fighting the idiocy.

Before turning to the meeting announcement from No2BridgeTolls, kindly take note of this story, as broken at Curt Morrison's blog, Louisville Courant.

Fictional character, Benny Breeze created with undisclosed funding source, to manipulate public

Curt's post details the Benny Breeze project, a surprisingly semi-literate effort given the artistic qualifications trumpeted by its creators, although as this passage amply illustrates, the theme behind Benny Breeze is just as anti-democratic and strong-armed as one might imagine simplistic propaganda from Stemlerites to be:

Our team respects and appreciates other people's opinion's; however, we believe that the risks given the current condition of the bridges too high at this juncture to discuss and debate alternatives, that cannot be incorporated swiftly and efficiently with the current plans. We believe that as a community we must work collectively and swiftly to eliminate this threat as promptly as possible. Along the way we would hope that other opinions and ideas would be considered so long as the overall process is not delayed by unnecessary debate.

Echoing Curt, clearly note that in this phrasing, opinions are just threats, which not unlike termites, need eliminating. Debate is unnecessary, especially in a state of emergency. Presumably, Constitutions and other restrictions are not relevant at such times.

If this isn't fascism, I don't know what is, and the relative youth of the project's progenitors surely cannot be cited as an excuse for displaying historical ignorance of this magnitude. What's next, Vaughan Scott? Perhaps a nice Kristallnacht for tolling opponents? We do have it coming, right? After all, we keep asking questions, and behaving like vermin.

Meanwhile, and fortunately given the passage above, No2BridgeTolls keeps on trucking.

---

No2BridgeTolls Plans Strategic Public Meeting June 21, 2011

6 PM Buckhead Mountain Grill, Riverside Drive in Jeffersonville

No2bridgetolls.org founders and supporters are hosting a public meeting on June 21st at Buckhead Mountain Grill on Riverside Drive in Jeffersonville to inform supporters of strategic initiatives in advance of the upcoming June 27 and 28th Bridges Authority public meetings. The No2BridgeTolls.org meeting will start with networking at 5:30 and the meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

"We feel that we have made progress in our efforts to stop tolls on the I-65 Kennedy Corridor, but the fight is not over,” said No2BridgeTolls.org co-founder Paul Fetter. The purpose of this meeting is to bring supporters up to date on our efforts and to prepare the public for the Bridges Authority June 27th and 28th meetings which will be held on both sides of the river,” Fetter added.

“Tolls are bad for families and businesses and we are calling on elected and appointed leaders to continue efforts to pare down this project to a reasonable and affordable plan that does not require tolls. Specifically, we are asking Governors Daniels and Beshear, as well as Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to find additional or alternative funding to take tolls off the table,” said Fetter.

“The logical answer would be to reduce the project cost,” said Co-Founder Wes Johnson, Jr. “We know that the project can be changed based on recent announcements, despite the original Record of Decision, and we urge elected officials to prioritize this issue and take a stand for the working people who have to cross the river daily,” said Johnson. "Our group formed because tolling our existing infrastructure and transportation routes would divide our river city, and we have thousands of people who support our position,” he added.

About No2BridgeTolls.org

We are a broad-based coalition of businesses, organizations and private individuals who are opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System. We have formed under the entity of “Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc.” (OBSI.) Our purpose is to educate the public of the true impact of the current proposed bridge toll on both sides of the river. We are a 501-C6 non-profit organization that has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information. We are not against the bridges—just tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System, which will divide our community, be a regressive tax that our citizens and businesses cannot afford, and will adversely affect the local economy, disproportionately affecting Southern Indiana.

For more information, contact Paul Fetter (812) 283-5555, ext. 27 or Chris McCarty (502) 419-3135 ... No2BridgeTolls.org

"Would the (bridges) project have been downsized if the pressure would have never arrived? "

The ongoing silence emanating from the general direction of the furnished oligarch's bunker occupied by Ron Grooms, Steve Stemler and Ed Clere continues to be deafening. Conceding that the cuts are being made in the wrong place -- the East End bridge, which was the only one necessary in the first place -- it remains that after a constant barrage of assurances that the monolith was impregnable, the past six months' worth of whittling proves that proponents to be lying all along. See also: Press release: No2BridgeTolls Responds to Massive Bridge Plan Reduction.

CHEERS AND JEERS — June 4-5

BACKHANDED CHEERS...

to another $700 million in “savings” found on the Ohio River Bridges project.It’s amazing what a little pressure can do to politicians. The real cheer is to the no tolls groups which created the pressure which led to a bloated project being scaled back.In just a few short months, elected and project leaders have said the projected price tag on two new bridges and a redo of Spaghetti Junction in downtown Louisville has shrunk from $4.1 billion to $2.9 billion due to simply scaling back a project that was too big to begin with.

Here’s a good question — would the project have been downsized if the pressure would have never arrived?

—Editor Shea Van Hoy

Press release: No2BridgeTolls Responds to Massive Bridge Plan Reduction.

As the release reminds us, "No2BridgeTolls is opposed to financing the downtown infrastructure through the use of tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System."

Clarksville, Indiana June 3, 2011 ... www.No2bridgetolls.org recognizes Governors Daniels and Beshear, and Mayor Fischer for their eagerness to make the Ohio River Bridges Project friendlier to the community it will serve.

"We are very pleased with these new reductions, and would like to thank all of our supporters that helped make this happen. This is the second move to reduce the price of the Ohio River Bridges Project in the last six months, and we may possibly be at that point where I-65 does not need to be tolled. We will continue our efforts until that is achieved." said No2bridgetolls Co-founder Paul Fetter.

“In January 2010, Ohio River Bridges Project estimated cost was $4.1 billion, which was $2.2 billion short of the $1.9 billion in available funds. The logical answer would be to reduce the project cost, but all of the state officials, the Ohio River Bridges Project design team, and the Bi-State Authority said, ‘The project cannot be changed because the Record of Decision and the Environmental Impact Study’ and consequently tolling was put on the table to fund the shortfall. We now know the project can be changed and believe financing without tolls is possible.

"The project was originally designed far beyond its capacity to deliver traffic due to lane limitations on all of the interstates that connect to it. We want it built in a financially responsible manner, community friendly, without tolls on our existing transportation routes. Many of these changes are what we’ve been asking for and are a great improvement to the over-designed project they started with," added Fetter.

"Our group formed because tolling our existing infrastructure and transportation routes would divide our river city, and would be bad for families and businesses,” said No2BridgeTolls.org co-founder Wes Johnson.

Since its formation in September of 2010, the organization has collected over 10,000 signatures on petitions against tolling and polled Kentuckian residents and determined that over 85% are against tolling I-65. The group has also secured city and township anti-toll resolutions from Jeffersonville, New Albany, Clarksville, Utica, Sellersburg, Georgetown, Louisville, Clark County Council, Clark County Commissioners, Jeffersonville Main Street Association, and the Southern Indiana Tourism Bureau; and collected statements from both Southern Indiana mayors: Tom Gallagan, Mayor of Jeffersonville, and Doug England, Mayor of New Albany opposing tolling of I-65.

About No2BridgeTolls.org

We are a broad-based coalition of businesses, organizations and private individuals who are opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System. We have formed under the entity of “Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc.” (OBSI.) Our purpose is to educate the public of the true impact of the current proposed bridge toll on both sides of the river. We are a 501-C6 non-profit organization that has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information. We are not against the bridges—just tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System, which will divide our community, be a regressive tax that our citizens and businesses cannot afford, and will adversely affect the local economy, disproportionately affecting Southern Indiana.

No2BridgeTolls ... May 2011 Update.

(Just say no to tolls, folks)

---

May 2011 Update

Organizers of No2BridgeTolls.org have been working diligently behind the scenes in recent months in anticipation of the upcoming Ohio River Bridges Project public meetings. Specifically, we have been meeting with officials connected to the Ohio River Bridges Project, engaging them in all aspects and details of the impact the current tolling plans will have on the community. We have been encouraging further reductions to the downtown portions of the project that will not improve traffic delivery. These reductions will make the project more fiscally responsible, and bring us closer to a local "toll-free zone."

In anticipation of the upcoming public meetings, we will be inviting elected officials to a formal meeting in which we can further inform them as a group of the long-term negative impact the current plan will have and why it won't, in its current state, solve the region's infrastructure problems. We will be discussing our more Southern Indiana friendly plan, and work on a collective plan how we can achieve our goal of a toll free I-65. Following this meeting with elected officials, we will host a public meeting to keep the community updated on our efforts.

The Bridges Project has posted the following calendar of upcoming meetings. We ask the community to note the week of June 27th as the planned public meeting date, which is in the final phase of planning for this project. We are closing in on our last opportunities to make a difference and stop the plan to implement tolls on the Kennedy Bridges System corridor. No2BridgeTolls organizers are working in earnest on behalf of this community to stop the plan to implement tolls. This is not a time to let up on our efforts! We still need your support! Plan to attend the next public meetings and show your support for No Tolls.

Click here to visit the Ohio River Bridges Project's Official Release and be sure to mark your calendar for the week of June 27th. We will keep No Tolls supporters informed via email, facebook and our website as we get closer to the date.

Fetter 1, Hammersmith 0.

Paul, you've got some nerve pre-empting another of One Southern Indiana's self-congratulatory exercises in irrelevance, described by a reader as one of the area's "premier events" (huh?), by smacking down the organization's utility monoply chairman. The oligarchs ain't gonna like it.

GUEST COLUMN: A response to One Southern Indiana Chairman Kevin Hammersmith, by Paul Fetter in One Combined Newspaper

Our name is Organization For A Better Southern Indiana, Inc., and our agenda is exactly that. No2bridgetolls.org is the name of our cause and website. We are all Southern Indiana business owners and operators that have decades of experience in eking out a living in Southern Indiana. We know by these years of experience the challenges of drawing Kentucky consumers and visitors to Southern Indiana. It is the knowledge we have gained in operating successful businesses that give us the understanding of the division that will occur if you toll the bridges that connect our river city, charging admission to visit and do business in Southern Indiana.

Deafening silence as No 2 Bridge Tolls refocuses.

I'm just looking for an excuse to publish the ad for a second time in three days. The muffled sounds of paranoid anguish will be emanating from a familiar source.

No tolls groups refocus effort; They’re now pushing to keep tolls off of Interstate 65, by Braden Lammers (Combined Omni Newspaper)

... (Paul) Fetter also has no plans on diminishing his effort.

“Some people still aren’t aware 65 is going to be tolled,” he said.

He added that from the initial proposals of the project where Indiana was slated to cover a little more than $1.1 billion — or 28 percent of the total $4.1 billion total — implementing any tolling mechanism disproportionately puts a burden on Hoosiers.

“There’s a lot of inequity on how the thing’s going to be funded if it’s funded by tolls,” Fetter said.

Bravo: No2BridgeTolls locates the jugular with half-page Tribune ad.

No2BridgeTolls.org: "Alternatives to tolling the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System."

(From the web site; as soon as I get the new ad scanned, it will go up here - you're going to love it)

No2BridgeTolls is opposed to financing the downtown infrastructure through the use of tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System.

Organization is Launching New Advertising Campaign

Clarksville, Indiana February 18, 2011 No2BridgeTolls founders have announced a strategic shift in focus and communications that will more clearly communicate the organization’s position in light of recent financing announcements.

This strategic shift to a more targeted approach has been driven by recent announcements by the governors of both Kentucky and Indiana to downsize the Bridges project. No2BridgeTolls founders and supporters believe this new plan has the effect of shifting the burden of financing the downtown portion of the project to the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System.

“We are not opposed to a reasonable and financially responsible means to improve our downtown Interstate infrastructure or build a new East End Bridge,” said co-founder Paul Fetter. “We are opposed to building to a plan that will have adverse socio- and economic impact to the community, specifically Southern Indiana and Downtown Louisville, which we firmly believe tolls or user fees on I-65 Corridor will have,” said Fetter.

“While the governors’ announcement was a welcome one in that it took the Sherman Minton and Clark Memorial bridges out of the tolling plan, we do not believe tolls on the I-65 Corridor is in keeping with our vision for what makes sense for the community.

“Our group and supporters believes alternatives to tolling the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System can and should be found and are imploring all the decision makers of this vital and necessary project to find the solution without compromising the project. We will continue our efforts to educate the community and engage our elected representatives to act in the best interest of families and businesses in our community,” said Fetter.

The organization will launch a new advertising campaign that will begin on Sunday and future communications will include this redefined, targeted message.

About No2BridgeTolls.org

We are a broad-based coalition of businesses, organizations and private individuals who are opposed to tolls on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System. Our targeted focus has been driven by recent announcements by the governors of both states to shift the financing burden for all of the downtown infrastructure needs to the Kennedy Bridge and its I-65 supporting new Downtown Bridge. We have formed under the entity of “Organization for a Better Southern Indiana, Inc.” (OBSI.) Our purpose is to educate the public of the true impact of the current proposed bridge toll on both sides of the river. We are a 501-C6 non-profit organization that has been formed for the purpose of disseminating information. We are not against the bridges—just tolls or user fees on the I-65 Corridor/Kennedy Bridges System, which will divide our community, be a regressive tax that our citizens and businesses cannot afford, and will adversely affect the local economy, disproportionately affecting Southern Indiana.

Either you'll get the joke, or you won't.

Moss and Johnson on bridges and tolls.

Taken together, these two Sunday opinion columns appearing in Louisville metro newspapers occupying opposite editorial sides of the bridge tolls debate make a unified, if unintended point.

Opposition to tolling may be misdirected, and perhaps even wasted, without a fundamental examination of future transit options as largely contradicted by the assumptions of the ORBP. Does the sacred plan and its $4 billion worth of boondoggle actually provide "mobility solutions," or might these goals be achieved by altered or entirely different means? What is the future?

Dale Moss Jeffersonville restaurant owners take on tolls (Courier-Journal)

Like many Hoosiers, Wes Johnson and Mike Kapfhammer wait impatiently for fewer maybes about the Ohio River Bridges Project. And like many – including me - they want to believe in it but still cannot.

Johnson and Kapfhammer co-own the Buckhead Mountain Grill and Rocky’s restaurants on Jeffersonville’s riverfront. They were regionalists before regionalism was cool ...

... Johnson and Kapfhammer are trying to rally people as part of the No2BridgeTolls.org effort. “When they realize, then they get excited,” Kapfhammer said.

In short, we mustn't accept recently proffered diversionary bait. It's time to take toll talk to a different level, but more on that later. For now, know that No2BridgeTolls is holding a another meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Buckhead Mountain Grill in Jeffersonville. Now, notice how Rev. Johnson instinctively grasps certain points that seem forever to elude the iron dictates of Stemlerism.

JOHNSON: A bridge too far, by Richard Johnson (Tribune)

... When new highways and bridges are built in urban areas, they tend to have the long-term effect of encouraging more people to drive. This in turn leads to more traffic and bigger traffic jams…the opposite of the intended effect. We know this, but continue to build them anyway.