3/30/10-Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill into law that authorizes a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway in exchange for toll revenue.
Until now, Indiana law prohibited tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, the route is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana with Interstate 55 near Joliet, IL. About 10 miles of the roadway would be built in the Hoosier State.
Previously SB382, the new law clears private groups to build and operate the Illiana Expressway in Indiana in exchange for toll revenue.
The new Indiana law also authorizes a public-private partnership project for bridges over the Ohio River connecting Indiana and Kentucky.
The Indiana Department of Transportation will also be responsible for studying high-speed rail connecting South Bend and Fort Wayne. Other provisions included in the bill require an economic impact study and environmental analysis, as well as a public hearing once the study is complete and another one after a private developer is found.

3/3/10-The Senate voted unanimously Tuesday, March 2, to sign off on House changes to a bill that would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway in exchange for toll revenue.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana with Interstate 55 near Joliet, IL. About 10 miles of the roadway would be built in the Hoosier State.
SB382 now moves to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ desk for his expected signature. It was four years ago that Daniels leased the Indiana Toll Road to private investors for $3.85 billion in upfront cash.
If signed into law, the bill would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization. It would authorize a public-private partnership to complete the proposed Illiana Expressway.
Also included in the bill is a provision that would also authorize a public-private partnership project for bridges over the Ohio River connecting Indiana and Kentucky. In addition, the Indiana Department of Transportation would be responsible for studying high-speed rail connecting South Bend and Fort Wayne.
Other provisions included in the bill would require an economic impact study and environmental analysis, as well as a public hearing once the study is complete and another one after a private developer is found.
For bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9841.

2/26/10-The House voted 89-6 to approve a bill that would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway in exchange for toll revenue.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois south of Chicago. About 10 miles of the roadway would be built in the Hoosier State.
SB382 would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization. It would authorize a public-private partnership to complete the proposed Illiana Expressway.
The bill now moves back to the Senate for approval of changes. It could come up for consideration there as soon as Monday, March 1.
Added on the House floor is a provision that would also authorize a public-private partnership project for bridges over the Ohio River connecting Indiana and Kentucky. In addition, the Indiana Department of Transportation would be responsible for studying high-speed rail connecting South Bend and Fort Wayne.

Other provisions included in the bill would make the following changes:

• The state would be required to perform an economic impact study before issuing a request for public-private partnership proposals.
• A public hearing would be required concerning the study on proposed projects.
• An environmental analysis would be required once an agreement with a public-private partnership is reached.
• A public hearing would be required to discuss the agreement.

If lawmakers cannot reach agreement on the changes, the bill would head to a conference committee to work out differences.
For bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9841.

2/10/10-A bill in the House Roads and Transportation Committee would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway. The Senate has already approved it.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois south of Chicago.
Sponsored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, SB382 would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization.
For bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9467.

2/1/10-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway. It now moves to the House.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois south of Chicago.
Sponsored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, SB382 would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization.
It now awaits assignment to committee in the House.
For bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9467.

1/21/10-The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation & Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved a bill that would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois south of Chicago.
Sponsored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, SB382 would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization. It also would permit the state to charge tolls on any new road.
For Senate bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9467.

1/13/10-A bill in the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation & Veterans Affairs Committee would authorize a private group to build and operate the Illiana Expressway.
Indiana law now prohibits tolling or privatization of the proposed roadway. As currently proposed, it is to be a 23-mile state highway built to interstate standards to connect Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois south of Chicago.
Sponsored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, SB382 would remove the restrictions on tolling and privatization.
For Senate bill status, call 317-232-9400. In Indiana, call 800-382-9467.