2025 Regular Session - Day 29 - HB 546 Veto Override Comments, Rep. Payne

House Bill 546 is a Monumental piece of legislation for my district of Henderson that will have a generational impact on our region and state this legislation permits two things regarding the I69 Ohio River Crossing number one it allows the release of $150 million of previously allocated funds to keep the project moving forward despite the absence of a Federal Grant from the former Administration and number two it requires that the state of Indiana and the state of Kentucky come to an agreement for the establishment of tolling Revenue so that the Project's completion is ensured well I appreciate the bipartisan support that this project has received from our governor the first district congressman and state and local leadership I'm extremely disappointed about the veto and the public messaging that has followed as a result from the beginning of the project all stakeholders have been transparent about the necessity for tolling the new bridge and the absence of a major federal assistance House Bill 546 recognizes that and even states that reconsideration of the tolling provision can occur if a Federal grant is received to cover the cost of the project like happened with the Brent Spence Bridge while nobody is standing up cheering for tolls it is widely agreed that Kentucky and Indiana must be responsible and realistic in protecting the continuation of this project any indication otherwise is misinformation at best and political grandstanding at worst as the St sole state representative representing Henderson County my priority will remain on completing this historic project as quickly as possible and keeping both Twin Bridges open through Focus advocacy on a federal and state level I refuse to allow a political play to get in the way of enacting good policy and risk halting a project that will completely change the economic development landscape of my community and this great Commonwealth thank you