Kentucky-Indiana board to facilitate, assist in completion of Ohio River Bridges Project

First meeting conducted today

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 12, 2013) – The Kentucky-Indiana Joint Board, created to facilitate and assist in accomplishing the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project, today conducted its first meeting.

The board comprises the two states’ top transportation and finance officials – Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock, Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Michael B. Cline, Indiana Public Finance Director Kendra York and Kentucky Finance Secretary Lori Flanery. Secretaries Hancock and Flanery also serve as chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, of the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority.

“This is another milestone in our mutual pursuit of greater mobility across the Ohio River,” Hancock said.

“Today’s joint board meeting marks the transition from the successful procurement of the Ohio River Bridges Project to establishing the structure to manage the project,” Cline said.

The Ohio River Bridges Project involves construction of two crossings – one in downtown Louisville and one upriver, connecting Utica, Ind., and Prospect, Ky. – and renovation of the Interstate 65 John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, also in downtown Louisville. The project also includes construction of approaches to the new crossings and reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange, where I-65, I-64 and I-71 merge in Louisville.

Indiana contracted for the East End Crossing, and Kentucky procured the Downtown Crossing.

The joint board was created pursuant to a Bi-State Development Agreement and an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the two states last fall.

The joint board’s official business today included adoption of resolutions to:

♦ Authorize the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, acting for both states, to procure toll system integrator and operator services and related matters.

♦ Authorize the Indiana Finance Authority, acting for both states, to procure toll revenue custodian services and related matters.

♦ Adopt bylaws, designate a regular meeting schedule and appoint a steering committee.