Advocates pitch partnership to pay for new bridge

Posted: Wed 3:54 PM, Jan 16, 2013

ERLANGER, Ky. (AP) - A coalition is trying to convince leaders in northern Kentucky that private financing would be the best way to speed up the time frame for a new bridge that would span the Ohio River and connect the area to Cincinnati.

The Kentucky Enquirer reports that Johnna Reeder, who is chairwoman of the Build Our New Bridge Now Coalition, was joined by officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Tuesday as they recommended the option to area leaders at a meeting in Erlanger. They said a public-private partnership is the only way to get the new bridge for the Interstate 75-71 corridor built in a timely fashion.

With a partnership, proponents have said a new bridge could be built by 2018. Opponents have argued against the proposal, saying it would mean tolls on the bridge.

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