Hoosier Heartland still on track

CAMDEN, Ind. (WLFI) - The talk at the Hoosier Heartland Spring Luncheon Tuesday centered on the celebration of the projects near completion. But something else remains unfinished, Congress has yet to pass a final version of a transportation bill, a bill responsible for funding projects like the Hoosier Heartland.

Republican US Representative Todd Rokita said what he's looking for in a final transportation bill is one that could last for several years.

"I am hoping that whatever comes out of it is going to provide some long-term certainty," said Rokita.

The transportation bill is now on its ninth extension while lawmakers conference and hash out some of the finer details. But for those responsible for overseeing projects on a state level legislators taking time to work things out could mean delays in major projects.

"I've talked with INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation), it's very difficult for our INDOT to do any planning in just three-month windows. You really can't get too much done, you can only spend what you're given and if you only have three months of money, you just can't get too far down the road," said Tom Weatherwax, Hoosier Heartland Chairman.

Weatherwax said the project's funding for now is fine, especially as it nears completion, but he worries that without increased federal funding other projects down the line could be in jeopardy.

"Local units of government can not operate unless you give them adequate tax dollars. That to me would be one of the reasons, if I was still a state senator, of supporting a gasoline tax increase. One or two cents goes a long way," said Weatherwax.

Rokita said he's not in favor of a gas tax increase per se, but he's not opposed to a discussion on how to raise revenue.

"I would be a proponent of this discussion and possibly vote to at least index the gas tax to inflation. It's not being indexed right now. And if it was to start being indexed to inflation you would increase revenues. And I don't think that's a tax increase," said Rokita.

The corridor project is set for completion in October of next year.