Indiana Governor Criticized for Proposed Toll Road Expenditure

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Lawmakers in Indianapolis criticized Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, yesterday. According to the Associated Press, legislators are up in arms over Holcomb’s proposed expenditure of a $1 billion renegotiated toll road lease.

The Republican governor announced $1 billion dollars from leasing toll roads in September, which will increase toll fees for commercial truck drivers.

Holcomb announced his proposal to allocate some $600 million dollars to finishing Interstate 69, $190 million dollars on highways, $100 million on rural broadband access, and another $90 million for new hiking and biking trails. Another $20 million is being allocated by the Holcomb’s office to improve flight routes to and from Indianapolis International Airport.

During a meeting of the State Budget Committee yesterday, legislators from both parties took turns criticizing the Governor’s decision to allocate the funds without legislative oversight. Holcomb maintains his office is within their legal authority to spend the toll road leasing money.

The state budget committee’s meeting yesterday takes place before the Indiana Legislature reconvenes on January 3.