The following press releases arrived Monday, Feb. 12, 2007

NEWS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release:                                                                                     Media Contact:

February 12, 2007                                                                                              Jason Tomcsi, 317-232-9496 

Illiana expressway legislation moves forward 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Illiana Expressway concept took one more step toward reality today when Senate Bill 1 was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 36-13. 

The bill allows the Indiana Department of Transportation to study proposals for routes, traffic studies and private bids for construction. As a co-author, State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) was able to help draft language that establishes a Legislative Oversight Committee that would continually review the entire project and all proposals.  

The bill makes clear that the Illiana project is separate from the Indiana Commerce Connector and the two projects have separate oversight committees. Her amendment would require that two members represent each of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties and the remaining two members represent either Starke, Newton or Jasper County.  

“It was important for the representatives of the counties that the Illiana Expressway runs through truly be involved,” said Tallian. “This project has a long way to go and still has many questions to be answered, but it is essential that it moves forward. 

“It is a fact that Northwest Indiana has a traffic problem,” Tallian added. “The hope is that the Illiana Expressway can help ease the congestion that we face in our area of the state. We believe that the study, combined with the oversight committee will be a good step towards that goal.”

 The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 For more information on Sen. Tallian, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov. 

NEWS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release:                                                                                     Media Contact:

Feb. 12, 2007                                                                                                    Jason Tomcsi, 317-232-9496 

Illiana expressway legislation approved by the Senate 

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation co-authored by State Senator Earline Rogers (D-Gary) that would create a privately funded and operated toll road in Northwest Indiana passed the Senate today 36-13. 

Senate Bill 1 allows the Daniels administration to enter into public private partnerships to construct the Illiana Expressway in Northwest Indiana and the Indiana Commerce Connector, which wraps around the east and south sides of Marion County.

 “Anyone who travels the Borman in Northwest Indiana knows the congestion problems we face,” said Rogers. “The Illiana Expressway can be the relief our area badly needs. I’m pleased to see this important legislation move forward and continue the progress of making this road a reality.”

Rogers was involved in the legislation through every step of the process, including her amendment that created two separate review committees. The committees will be composed of eight legislators each that would meet regularly and advise on the projects’ progress.

 “There is still about much to be discussed about this project,” added Rogers. “It’s important that the legislature continue to offer input.”

 The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 For more information on Sen. Rogers, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.