Indiana Bridge Authority Members Appointed

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has made his appointments to the bi-state authority charged with overseeing the financing and construction of the Ohio River Bridges Project.Details are in this release from the governor's office: INDIANAPOLIS (December 4, 2009) – Governor Mitch Daniels has signed an executive order that outlines Indiana’s participation in the Indiana Kentucky Bi-State Authority including the appointment of Indiana’s members on the commission. The authority includes representatives from both states and will coordinate efforts to construct two new bridges connecting southeast Indiana with the Louisville metropolitan area.In July, Daniels joined Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear for a ceremonial bill signing of legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly creating the authority as well as a process for the further development, design, construction, operation, financing and oversight of the Louisville Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. The project includes two new bridges, plus reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange in downtown Louisville. The initial financial plan for the project set the estimated cost at $4.1 billion. Indiana’s share is 30 percent.Each appointee will serve a two-year term at the governor’s pleasure. All appointments are effective immediately.The appointments are:· Kerry Stemler, of Sellersburg, president and chief executive officer of KM Stemler Company, Inc.· Dave Tharp, of Trafalgar, executive secretary-treasurer/business manager for the Indiana/Kentucky Regional Council of Carpenters· Lisa Kobe, of Indianapolis, manager of Indiana government affairs for Duke Energy· Steve Schultz, of Columbus, attorney at First Financial Bank· Jerry Finn, of Starlight, executive director of the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County· Pat Byrne, of Floyds Knobs, certified public accountant· Diane Fischer, of Floyds Knobs, president of L & D Mail Masters, Inc.