Indiana OKs plan to rent tollway for $3.8 billion
INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Mitch Daniels is praising lawmakers who approved his ''Major Moves'' highway plan, saying they had proven themselves as friends of change, progress and courage. ''Public life presents few, if any, opportunities to take one decisive action that changes the future in a measurable way, and improves the lives of thousands,'' Daniels wrote in a letter sent to legislators who voted for the plan. ''Your vote for the Major Moves Roads and Jobs plan was, undeniably, one of those rare events.'' But several Democrats accused Daniels' fellow Republicans for caving into his wishes, saying most Hoosiers opposed the bill and the authority it gives the governor to lease the Indiana Toll Road for 75 years to a private, Australian-Spanish consortium for $3.8 billion. The companies would operate the highway and collect its toll revenue for 75 years. Only 30 percent of those surveyed in a recent statewide poll thought it was a good idea. ''Governor Daniels is not the governor of Australia; he is not the governor of Spain. He is supposed to listen to the taxpayers and you are, too,'' Rep. Chet Dobis (D-Merrillville) told lawmakers during Tuesday's debate. Last modified March 16, 2006 |