Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-06-17)
LEXINGTON, KY
(WEKU) -
Legislation which allows for the establishment of toll authorities for mega infrastructure projects across Kentucky has won House backing. Tolls could be used to pay off bonds for transportation projects which cost $500 million or more. Two proposed bridges that would link Louisville and Indiana are currently at a standstill.Bill sponsor Don Paisley envisions the bridges to be the first to use this mechanism. Lexington representative Stan Lee voted no.
"I don't believe this will be any vehicle to get those bridges built. The fact of the matter is, they need federal dollars and they need significant federal dollars to get them built and that's the only thing that ever going to get them built," Lee said.
Paisely, meanwhile, says any tolls wouldn't likely be in place for several years. He doesn't think toll booths would be required along mega project routes. The measure passed 89 to nine. It goes now to the Senate. © Copyright 2012, WEKU
