FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1 laws keep Indiana
on the ‘road’ to a brighter future
Interest in transportation issues accelerated in this year’s Indiana General Assembly.
Not only did new laws preserve ongoing projects – like fully funding Major Moves projects over the next two years – but they also opened avenues to new transportation possibilities like mass transit.
Senate Republicans made sure state highway projects planned for by “Major Moves” were funded as scheduled in the new state budget.
Meanwhile, Senate Enrolled Act 105 will create a joint study commission on mass transit possibilities. The law also gives INDOT the authority to enter an agreement with a private firm to construct and operate such a system, if one is feasible.
That same measure also included an amendment to study the feasibility of an “Illiana Expressway” connecting I-57 in Illinois with I-65 in Indiana. A report is due prior to July 1, 2009.
Other transportation measures now in effect include House Enrolled Act 1623, a new law to improve highway work zone safety. It requires the Department of Transportation to design and manufacture signs informing drivers of offenses and penalties related to operating a vehicle in or near highway work zones.
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