Mayors pledge united support for Ohio River Bridges Project

Abramson, England and Galligan vow to work together for project progress

Mayors of the region's largest cities - Jerry Abramson of Louisville, Doug England of New Albany and Tom Galligan of Jeffersonville - say they are joining forces to ensure the Ohio River Bridges Project is built as quickly and cost effectively as possible.
In a meeting with Build the Bridges Coalition representatives, the mayors stressed the importance of the project for future job growth on both sides of the river, public safety and less congestion. They also cited an immediate need for continued work progress.

"Our region's economic future - our ability to keep and attract jobs - depends on maintaining a safe, adequate cross-river highway system that allows people and goods to flow," said Mayor Abramson, who has termed the Bridges Project his city's "No. 1 priority."

"The fact that three mayors from both sides of the river are joining forces underscores how important this project is to our communities. We view this as a true partnership and we will continue to work together - along with our state and federal representatives - to secure adequate funding to complete the Bridges Project," he said.

England said the three cities have worked together on such projects as the Ohio River Greenway, a network of pedestrian and bike paths.
"We've all made major investments to improve our riverfronts. Completing the Bridges Project is the needed and critical step to link our citizens and foster job growth throughout the metro area," Mayor England said.

Mayor Galligan said Indiana, which has the funds to build its share of the project, should move quickly to complete its approach work to the new downtown bridge and to the east end bridge, which would result in better access to the River Ridge Commerce Center.

"People want to see bulldozers pushing dirt," Mayor Galligan said.
C. Edward Glasscock, chairman of Build the Bridges Coalition, a broad-based non-profit organization that advocates for the Bridges Project, said the partnership of the mayors reflects the region's strong support for the project.
Glasscock and other coalition representatives attended the meeting in Jeffersonville last week with Mayors Abramson, England and Galligan.
"To hear the mayors express unwavering support and a commitment to work together is strong evidence that we need progress as quickly as possible and a long-term funding solution," Glasscock said. "Every delay adds to project costs while congestion and safety problems go unaddressed."