Metro Council's Democratic Caucus members encourage public to attend meeting concerning tolls for the Ohio River Bridges project

Members of the Democratic Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council are encouraging anyone who is concerned about tolls on the new Ohio River Bridges to voice their concerns or opinions at two open house meetings early next week.

“The project’s coordinators want to hear from any low income or minority groups that will feel the impact of tolls,” said Councilman David James (D-6), chairman of the Caucus. “It is important that all voices and all areas of Louisville and Southern Indiana be heard.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transpiration currently have a draft assessment of the impact of tolls for the project. The Open House meetings are being held to gauge more public input.

On Sunday, several members of the Democratic Caucus held a news conference encouraging public participation. “Right now all attention is focused on the beginning of construction but it is important to remember when these bridges are completed, tolls will become a reality,” said Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12).

“Many people are still struggling in this economy and for some these proposed tolls are going to be a burden. That’s why now is the time to voice how you will be impacted if tolls are placed on these new bridges,” says Councilwoman Attica Scott (D-1).

Here is the information for both meetings from the Ohio River Bridges Project::
· Monday, July 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Holiday Inn Clarksville, 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.
· Tuesday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Ky.

 For those using public transportation, the route information for Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is:
· July 22 meeting – Take TARC to the Spring Street stops at 14th or 15th streets in Jeffersonville, Ind. Shuttle to Holiday Inn Clarksville will be provided at that point.
· July 23 meeting – Take TARC to the Muhammad Ali & 17th Street stop.