(Statehouse) Feb. 01, 2006 –The Indiana House of Representatives and Representative Rich McClain (R-Logansport) helped to move House Bill (HB) 1008, the Governor’s “Major Moves” initiative, out of the Indiana House today by a vote of 52-47.

“Major Moves will provide funding for transportation projects, leaving more money for state agencies that fund education, local roads, family and social services and other state government projects,” said Rep. McClain.

The $3.85 billion upfront payment by a private consortium for the ability to lease the roadway will allow for the creation of over 130,000 Hoosier jobs, increased maintenance on Indiana roads, and fund the construction of over 200 local roadway projects around the state. Indiana’s “Major Moves” initiative will focus on a ten-year thorough investment plan that would eliminate the state’s $2.8 b billion deficit. The ‘jobs bill of a generation’ would allow for the creation of economic development, job creation, and roadway improvement.

The private public partnership (P3) lease agreement would fully fund a decade of the state’s transportation plan, eliminate the $2.8 billion funding deficit, and invest an additional $4.4 billion to upgrade the toll road over the 75 year life of the lease. The agreement also states that if the private consortium is not within the confines of the contract the lease agreement is terminated with Indiana retaining the $3.85 billion.

The revenue from the lease agreement will fully fund Indiana’s 10-year transportation construction plan and eliminate the state’s $2.8 billion transportation deficit. Projects that will be completed as a result of Major Moves include upgrading U.S. 31 to interstate standards, building the Hoosier Heartland Highway, the Fort to Port Project connecting Fort Wayne to Toledo, the extension of I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville, and two Ohio River bridges, among hundreds of other projects.

The bill now moves to the Senate Chamber for equal discussion.

For more information, please contact State Representative Rich McClain at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Room 401, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 1-800-382-9841, h24@in.gov.