Tuesday, April 17, 2012

ORBP video summarizes findings of its Economic Impact Study.

9 comments:

The New Albanian said...

Who knew that Kerry Stemler did impersonations of Rodney Dangerfield?

Expatriate said...

Eighteen Thousand Jobs, 27.3 Billion in additonal personal income, 78 Billion in additional economic output and the biggest winner seems to be Jeffersonville and Southern Indiana with lots of jobs from River Ridge, increased enrollment at Indiana University Southeast, development in Clark County, and new housing and development in Floyds Knobs, New Albany and Georgetown. A substantial majority of these people will live, work and spend money in Southern, Indiana.

The New Albanian said...

Thank you, Expatriate. I've always wanted to go offshore to the Bahamas, and I believe these conjured survey numbers at least as much as I accept those Greek economic indicators "proving" that unfortunate Mediterranean country's solvency.

BTW, everyone gets a freebie, but next time, you need to follow the disclosure guidelines. Thanks. I needed a laugh today.

Iamhoosier said...

Ex,
Almost all of the benefits are because of the East End Bridge. The negatives listed are for the tolling on new/old downtown bridge. Eliminate the unnecessary downtown bridge. There go most of the negatives and we get couple of billion dollar savings to boot. Build the East End Bridge(eliminate that stupidly expensive tunnel, also.)

Expatriate said...

New Albanian; I followed up a previous e-mail to you with my info. Iamhoosier; from my limited experience with the area I agree that the East End Bridge is needed more than any other bridge. However, as one who travels pretty frequently and has only been coming to Louisville for a few years, this city has the least access to to the surrounding communities (Southern Indiana)than any other I visit. More means to cross the river are definitely needed. Given the population, the congestion I experience while traveling around the region is excessive. This Summer when your other bridge was under repair I chose to conduct my business in this area via phone and e-mail as opposed to visiting my customers. The lack of mobility is very unwelcoming to businesses looking at your area. For Christ's Sake why are there no taxis in this city.

Jeff Gillenwater said...

Relatively few taxis, very little transit (especially cross-river) and almost none viable for daily commutes, and only one local bridge in the whole metro area.

Per the Bridges Project and decades of tolls, no progress will be made on any of them. They want to spend billions of dollars to create zero alternatives or choices. The only thing we get if anything is more induced traffic because, if any of the "benefits" come true, those folks going between work and home won't have any option but to drive.

The New Albanian said...

Sorry, Ex. I remember now.

Iamhoosier said...

Ex,
I had to drive to the south of Louisville every day during the bridge repair. Under an almost worst case scenario it just reinforced my opinion that another interstate span downtown is an absolute waste of money.

Southbound traffic ON the 65 bridge was basically fine even during rush hour. The traffic backups on 65 BEFORE the bridge were due to the vehicles that needed to get on 64 and they had absolutely no options.

I agree that LOCAL access is bad and would not be opposed to another one or two local access bridge(s) in the downtown area. Much cheaper to build and could allow very easily for pedestrian/cycling options. (And would lessen interstate traffic)

Jeff answered most eloquently on why no public transportation options. I was just going to say the reason is because we spend money on unneeded stupid shit.

Good to have you here.

w&la said...

Building another bridge next to the existing I-65 bridge is also questionable when viewed in terms of national security.

Right now, the existing bridge is a tactical target for terrorists. Losing the I-65 bridge effectively shuts down the Chicago to Birmingham corridor. It is a primary route for goods and travel.

An adjacent bridge will just be part of the same target.

The east end bridge lowers the risk, an adjacent bridge does not.