I-69 + Tolls
The cost-benefit analysis on the proposed extension of I-69 south from Indianapolis is a deeply flawed study, a mess of confusing numbers that gives credence to the belief that the chosen corridor was supported by little more than the will of former Governor Frank O’Bannon. If Hoosier politicians were to take an honest look at I-69, they would need to redo the analysis*, especially in light of the current Governor’s proposal that we use tolls to help pay for it. This letter to the editor in today’s Indianapolis Star raises the legitimate concern that tolls would significantly reduce the potential ‘benefits’ of extending the interstate through southwest Indiana (though, like all anti-I-69 activists, the writer needs to tone down his overwrought rhetoric). If I-69 wasn’t a losing investment before, it certainly may be now.
*I was taught in grad school that politicians love to spend money on cost-benefit analyses and then routinely ignore them.
3 Responses to “I-69 + Tolls”
I know nothing about the potential I-69 corridor. I do know that 30+ years ago, similar arguments were made in virginia over a thirty mile stretch of land from Arlington to Leesburg where no one but horses and cattle lived and where Dulles Airport had just been built. The state built a tollway (one public, the other private, both numbered 267), and ever since then, it’s undergone multiple expansions, and one is estimated to have a cash flow of $7 billion over 50 years. It’s spurred development
The author of this particular LTE suffers from the same regionalistic thinking that has been harming Indiana for decades – the regionalism that Gov. Daniels has fought hard against. Baas’ central argument avers the proposed highway is bad public policy since residents on existing portions of the highway currently enjoy a free thoroughfare. Screw the Hoosiers in economically depressed Pike and Daviess Counties. Why should Bloomingtonian PRB’ers give up anything for the greater good of the entire state? (Aside from the fact that Hoosiers from across the state chipped in to pay the tab in 37 and the 46 upgrade through Monroe County.)
Be very afraid if they promise to make the tolls temporary, “just until the road is paid for.” I-294 was paid for this way, and I still have to pay 4 tolls when I visit my friend in Chicago.
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040826/NEWS0109/40826001