I-69 over budget

Old news: environmentalists are angry that the I-69 project will swallow forests, farmland and homes.

New news: I-69 opposition is up in arms because state reports show that early stages of the project could run at least $120 million over budget.

While $700 million was set aside for the first three sections of highway, total costs including land acquisition, construction, engineering and design are now projected to be between $986 million to $1.2 billion – up to $500 million over budget.

The Indiana Department of Transportation points out that the money set aside was never supposed to cover costs above and beyond those of initial construction.
Despite the fact that even when the numbers are figured in this manner the project is still over budget, INDOT counters that savings have been achieved in the first two contract awards.

“There is a high demand for this work right now, so the bids are coming in lower, and we are taking advantage of that,” INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield said.
It is unlikely, however, that the superb negotiation skills of the Department of Transportation will make up for the necessary additional funding.

Luckily for INDOT, the federal government is stepping in to save the day. The fed plans to distribute $1.5 billion in competitive grants for transportation-related projects, and INDOT is hoping to get a piece of the action.

Without these funds, or perhaps even with them, the budget for I-69 appears to be in deep trouble. This snag provides a solid argument for the interstate’s enemies.
Being over budget is certainly much more concerning than the sneaking suspicion harbored by segments of the I-69 opposition that the NAFTA superhighway is being built under the radar.

It remains questionable what benefits will come from the I-69 construction, especially when more green transportation options like trains and buses could be more deserving targets for federal money.

While I-69 is perhaps not the most forward-thinking project, at least we have begun to debate the real logistics involving the interstate.

We can finally be done with the conspiracy theories regarding the NAFTA superhighway sucking away American jobs while simultaneously destroying the environment of southern Indiana.

The budget is indeed worrisome and perhaps a worthy rallying point against the construction of I-69.