The details
Illiana Expressway -- Senate Bill 1, which would authorize the tollway, awaits action by Democratic leaders in the House, who now say public transportation is more of a priority. The talk comes amid studies showing a $1 billion price tag to extend the South Shore line to Lowell and Valparaiso. Some leaders, including Gov. Mitch Daniels, suggest that an Illiana lease could help close that funding gap.
BY PATRICK GUINANE, Times of Northwest Indiana
pguinane@nwitimes.com
INDIANAPOLIS | Now that Indiana's latest toll road debate has reached their doorstep, top Democrats would rather talk mass transit.
House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, preferred a change of subject when asked last week about legislation that would pave the way for the pair of privately financed tollways sought by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels -- including the Illiana Expressway.
"I believe that it's time that we look at public transportation," Bauer said. "It's a cleaner way."
Bauer did say the House will have hearings on Senate Bill 1, which would let the state recruit partners to build the Illiana Expressway through Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, and the Indiana Commerce Connector outside Indianapolis.
Bauer wasn't the only Democrat appearing a bit road weary.
"I think a bigger priority than the Illiana is the South Shore ...," said Rep. Bob Kuzman, D-Crown Point.
Extending commuter rail service to Lowell and Valparaiso is a top priority for the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
But it's a $1 billion proposition that has the RDA talking tax hikes.
It's hard to imagine the RDA winning any taxing authority with legislators already under pressure to do something about soaring property taxes.
Daniels suggests the simpler route is for lawmakers to jump on the Illiana bandwagon. The hope is that a private firm interested in building the road and running it as a tollway also might offer an up-front payment.
"I agree with Bob Kuzman. We do need to focus on public transportation," said Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso. "But I think it has an easy marriage with the Illiana if we can nail the governor down to saying any up-front cash that comes with an Illiana deal goes toward public transportation."
Soliday was quick to add that he believes the tollway legislation still needs stronger oversight measures and that he wants to see an exact Illiana route studied and selected before giving the governor permission to move ahead.
Private deals to build and operate U.S. tollways typically do not generate large cash payouts, but Indiana officials are heartened by news out of Texas.
Cintra, a Spanish firm that partnered in last year's Indiana Toll Road lease, pledged a $5 billion package to build a toll road north of Dallas.
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