Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, October 24, 2011
(BLOOMINGTON) - A fight over the Interstate 69 extension could cost the city of Bloomington millions of dollars including funding for the bus service in the county and on the IU campus.
If Bloomington officials don't include the extension in their transportation plan, the city could lose $25 million in federal funds.
Every two years, the Metropolitan Planning Organization submits plans to the Indiana Department of Transportation which must be approved by the state before federal funds are disbursed to Bloomington.
Less than two miles of the extension is under MPO's jurisdiction in Greene and Monroe Counties. But the MPO isn't backing the project, which leaves Bloomington's funds at stake and stalls the city's bus system.
More than 3 million people ride Bloomington Transit every year.
The funding for Bloomington Transit will run out in June 2013. MPO member Richard Martin said the community can't afford to lose its mass transit system.
Bloomington officials say they hope to take their concerns to state and federal official this week. MOP will meet again Nov. 4.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.