tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7151683800432076492024-03-13T23:51:40.206-07:00When the Tolls Go AwayFay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-35655775170275665712012-05-06T04:31:00.000-07:002012-05-06T04:32:36.006-07:00Let's put the toll renewal issue to a public vote<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a former CCC Task Force member and president of Friends
of the Ferry, I say it is time we all listened to Rep. Pat Connick and <b>“Do
what the people want.”</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Rep. Connick has said: “Our pockets are empty.”</b>
And he is right. The DOTD’s pockets <i>are</i><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>empty.
Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Robert Adley has said that one
of his roads has turned to gravel and one of his bridges shut down because the
State couldn’t afford to fix it. And this was before<i> </i>the
Transportation Trust Fund budget was cut by $26 million. And not only are the
DOTD’s pockets empty but the mayors of New Orleans and Gretna have both stated
they have no funds for bridge lighting nor police to patrol the structure. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Rep. Connick has said: “It’s not fair.”</b> And he
is right. It is not fair that the rest of the State should be expected to share
dwindling DOTD dollars when the commuters on the fifth busiest toll bridge in
the nation can so easily collectively pay a “user’s fee” to fund maintenance,
painting, ferries, lighting, landscaping and a dedicated police force for a
mere 40 cents per roundtrip.<i> </i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Rep. Connick has said “The CCCD has been mismanaged and
corrupt.”</b> Although Rep. Connick has not announced filing any charges
of corruption against the Division, the mismanagement charge has proved<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>valid. And while most would cite Rep.
Connick as the legislator who spearheaded cleaning up the CCCD, what most don’t
know is that it was<i> my </i>research, beginning two years earlier (in<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>2006) which I gave<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>then-Speaker
of the House, Jim Tucker that resulted in the Legislative Audit and the
subsequent “retirement” of top CCCD management. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the last three years, the DOTD has continued to implement
procedures which ensure our toll dollars are used wisely. And with the CCCD due
to be abolished in December and this dedicated revenue stream placed directly
under Regional Planning, we can be reasonably optimistic that mismanagement
and/or corruption is a thing of the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Rep. Connick has said, “Let the people vote.”</b>
As a member of the CCC Task Force summoned to his “Public Hearing,” on January
31<sup>st</sup>, I heard this first hand. After nearly three hours of
what amounted to a public lynching, Rep. Connick called for a show of hands to
abolish the tolls. When the count was nearly unanimous, Connick demanded that
the Task Force change our pro-toll vote of 7 to 1 and instead <b>“Do what the
people want.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I pointed out that a meeting in Algiers had produced
exactly the opposite results, I was called a “bitch” and my neighbors dismissed
as “ferry lovers.” <b> </b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Rep. Connick has said, "I will support extending the
tolls." </b>Just two days later, (Feb 2<sup>nd</sup>) Connick wrote
in an email to Task Force member Glenn Orgeron, </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>“<i>If the task force joins me
and formally request (sic) that the FBI investigate the insurance deal,
investigate the construction of the admin building, investigate the ferry
expenses associated with the CCCD, I will support your recommendation to
extend the tolls.”</i></u><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But of course, Task Force had found no evidence of criminal
wrongdoing. The Task Force was formed to study “best practices” going forward,
not examine criminal corruption that might have occurred in the past. To
ask this of us was like expecting an English major could just as easily write
their dissertation on calculus. We were not chosen for our forensic abilities
but as leaders in the business and civic communities. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In an email later that day, Connick made an additional
demand: </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“…<u>I left out an important
part of the compromise - as part of the dea,l (sic) Sen (sic)
Heitmeier and Rep. Arnold would have to also join in.”</u><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">By demanding the unobtainable, Connick was essentially
holding our region's infrastructure<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>hostage
with no realistic condition that could be met for its release. This is how he
can so easily explain away the email to his constituents as a “bluff.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>But Rep. Connick is right. We SHOULD, "Do what
the people want.” </b>When Mike Teachworth’s “No Tolls” petition at <span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions#search/crescent%20city%20connection">Change.org</a></span>
was pulled after less than a week, it had 8 signatures in contrast to Transport
for NOLA’s 866 to keep the tolls. (There are now 1,143 online signatures.) When
Rep. Connick presented HB 992 to the House Transportation Committee on May 1<sup>st</sup>,
he boasted of collecting 150 signatures to stop the tolls. With the second
petition you will find in your mailbox on Monday, our “keep the tolls” paper
signatures total 4,600.<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><b> </b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>So yes, let’s do what the people want. </b>Let’s
take that vote in November. And if Rep. Connick opposes the amendment, then the
only explanation is that he<i> knows</i> he has not been speaking for ALL
"the people." </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fay Faron<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-52717194071533929632012-04-10T08:30:00.000-07:002012-04-10T10:25:57.198-07:00SPECIAL: Open letter to local legislators<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dear Local Legislators,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My name is Fay Faron and I am president of Friends of the
Ferry and a former CCCD Task Force member, one of seven who voted to recommend
renewing the tolls on the Crescent City Connection Bridge. I am writing
on behalf of the non-sign-waving public who feel the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I am sure you know, the Task Force studied every aspect
of this issue and contributed hundreds of hours, individually and collectively,
to thoroughly explore if the bridge could, in fact, operate effectively should
the budget drop from $27 million to zero. Sadly, the Times Picayune has never
reported on WHY we came to the conclusion that the modest toll we pay was the
best option for ensuring a vibrant quality of life for both the Eastbank and
Westbank going forward into the future.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Most of us realized early on that the TP reporter, Paul
Rioux had an obvious agenda as the focus of his articles was always whether we
had the right to consider a toll option rather than report what “essential
services” were at risk from losing this reliable funding source. Services like:
</span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A dedicated police force
to remove debris and accidents and keep traffic moving<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Three ferries that keep
2.9 million users off a bridge that was already operating to capacity <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The iconic lighting that
defines the New Orleans skyline, as well as street lighting beneath the
bridge<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Grass-cutting,
landscaping and litter pickup which the DOTD says they will abbreviate
severely or eliminate entirely so our services are in line with what they
maintain on other bridges<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bridge maintenance for
which the CCC Bridge would then have to compete with the state’s other 13,000
bridges and 16,000 miles of roadway via the Highway Priority Program<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonding capabilities
which we would lose because we would have no dedicated revenue stream<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Federal funding which we
would lose because we would be (1) unable to come up with matching funds
and (2) we have refused to toll ourselves, the Feds have no inclination to
fund our projects<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">$5 million in dedicated
funding via Highway Trust Fund #2 which would, without bonding,
irrevocably return to the State. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even after the Task Force report came out on February 1st,
the Times Picayune never reported on our findings. Never have they
informed the public of the issues above. Their censoring of information has
caused much of the public to come to the only logical conclusion: That they
have nothing to lose – and a whopping forty cents to gain. After leading their
readers down this path, our local legislators had little choice but to “do what
the people want” - even though privately most have said that losing the tolls
would be a disaster for our region. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As you know, right now, legislators are attempting to plug
up the holes left by this enormous loss of revenue. One bill that
particularly troubles me concerns the privatization of the ferries. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On the surface, it seems like a good thing that the DOTD is
offering 16M for new ferries and $4M in subsidies to attract a private company
to take over the ferries. But the devil is in the details. The deal
is actually for the Chalmette ferry ONLY - with the “opportunity” to take over
Algiers and Gretna. These figures were not generated via any business
plan and there is no evidence they are realistic to attract privatization.
Should these arbitrary figures make it into law, and a private company <i>who
has actually done a business plan </i>determine they cannot make a profit, they
will simply pass. And our historic ferries will be history. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The leaders of our region have agreed that tolls are
essential for maintaining the services we have come to expect, both on the
bridge and the ferries. That is why virtually ALL of Greater New Orleans’ civic
and business organizations support the Task Force’s recommendation to renew the
tolls:</span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Orleans Chamber of
Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jefferson Business
Council<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Greater New Orleans,
Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Transport for NOLA<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Harvey Canal Industrial
Association<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jefferson Chamber of
Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Algiers Neighborhood
Presidents Council<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Algiers Economic
Development Foundation<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Plaquemines Assn. of
Business and Industry<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">St. Bernard Chamber of
Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Algiers Point
Association<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Crescent City Connection
Oversight Authority<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friends of the Ferry<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Add to this list, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Gretna
Mayor Ronnie Harris, NOLA City Councilwoman-at-large Jackie Clarkson and City
Councilwoman Kristin Palmer. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Toll supporters might not be waving signs for the cameras
but I do believe we make up the “silent majority.” I have seen our
members go from dedicated and determined to feeling increasingly defeated as
our leaders pass on this hot potato issue. Still, because we believe the
loss of this dedicated revenue source to be so dire for our quality of life, we
continue to fight – even as the clock in the Capital ticks on.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But I can assure you, if you will file a bill to renew the
tolls, we are prepared to mobilize behind you. Here is our proposed course of
action. </span></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Task force is
available and anxious to share our findings before the Transportation
Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We are setting up an
<a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/support-reauthorization-of-the-crescent-city-connection-tolls" target="_blank">online petition</a> supporting the tolls. Our goal is 2500 signatures,
starting with our newest partner, Transport for Nola’s 1500 members<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Those individuals will
then participate in a “push the button” email campaign to flood
legislators statewide with letters of support for the tolls<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When the bill comes for
a vote, we have over 150 citizens committed to going to Baton Rouge to
support the bill </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I realize the Governor is a huge factor in this issue but
Governor Jindal has said publicly this is a “local issue.” We intend to hold him
to that. And, of course, it is certainly in the rest of the states’ best
interest to not have to share in financing the nation’s fifth busiest toll
bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please step up and be our heroes. We are asking you to
make sure we have a bill asking for toll renewal and to do all you can to
ensure it passes. If you will do that for us, I can assure you “the public”
will back you up on numbers that will put the sign-wavers to shame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fay Faron <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Friends of the Ferry<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Former Task Force member<o:p></o:p></span>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-38941554683803920092012-04-01T04:42:00.002-07:002012-04-02T03:48:07.896-07:00Traffic will increase significantly<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bridge already at capacity<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 2008, the average traffic flow on the Crescent City
Connection was recorded at 180,000 to 190,000 vehicles per day. Bridge capacity is 7200
vehicles per hour. Anything over that results in what we commonly call “backup.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Backup is already reached every weekday
during commute hours. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are 2.9 million users of the three ferries each year, 1.2
million at <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Canal Street</st1:address></st1:street>
alone. If the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Canal Street</st1:address></st1:street>
ferry does not attract privatization, the DOTD has declared they will cease
service. Those riders will have no other option across the river except to take
the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Federal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>
reaches occupancy in 2013, many of those 11,000 workers will become bridge
commuters as well. Between the two factors, it is estimated as many as 8,000 vehicles
might join the weekday commute over the Crescent City Connection. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Onramp Closures<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Contrary to popular belief, it is the funneling of twelve
lanes into four that creates the bottleneck, not the toll booths. In fact, the
toll plazas actually meter traffic allowing for a safer merge. Engineers say that
for a safe merge, there should be no more than three lanes of traffic funneling
into one if the toll plazas were to be removed. The only way to accomplish this
is to shut down lanes and close onramps. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These are some of the options DOTD engineers put before the
Task Force. </span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jefferson
Parish traffic on the Westbank Expressway would go from 5 lanes to 2 </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Terry Parkway</st1:address></st1:street>
would be restricted to one lane</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">General
DeGaulle would be restricted from 3 lanes to 1</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Additional
onramps would be would be metered or closed during peak hours</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In all scenarios, engineers determined lines would be longer and drive times increased. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reduction in officers from 25 to two <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Currently the Bridge Police employs 25 officers who work 24
hours per day, seven days per week. They patrol over 13 miles of bridge as well
as the ferries and their terminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In
2010, the Bridge Police <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">responded to over
28,000 service calls<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">investigated 1542
crashes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">issued 8,200
citations and 2799 warnings<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">removed 5009
disabled vehicles <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">made 631 arrests,
82 of which were for DWIs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">A
2001 </span>Louisiana State Police study concluded it would be “difficult for
the jurisdictions, either individually or collectively, to maintain the service
provided by the CCCPD.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On February 23, 2012, the DOTD informed local officials that
two State Troopers would be assigned to the Bridge <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">– but</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only at peak drive
times</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if they were needed
elsewhere, they would be redirected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
of state budget cuts, the LSP withdrew their request for funding and announced </span><a href="http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/141167053.html"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there will be no cadet
class</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> held this fiscal year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for the local jurisdictions, both <st1:city w:st="on">New
Orleans</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gretna</st1:place></st1:city>
city officials have declared they cannot assign officers to the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the NOPD is currently down 200
officers and has 20 patrol cars out of service because there is no budget to
fix them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> having the 13<sup>th</sup>
highest crime rate in the nation, NOLA Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer has
stated she cannot, in good conscience, assign officers to patrol the bridge. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">What will it cost to save 40 cents? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">National
studies show that every 10 minutes of delay results in 40 minutes of
backup traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">At current
gas prices, every 17 minutes of engine idling eats up $.40 worth of gas</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">If a $10 per hour
wage-earner was docked for being 30 minutes late to work, between the two
factors, it would cost them $5.75. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
of course, they would save the price of the toll tag: $.40. </span>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-53721537516503053712012-03-24T12:14:00.000-07:002012-03-30T08:22:28.152-07:00Special: Open letter to the Times Picayune<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Andrea Shaw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Westbank Bureau Chief</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Times Picayune <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dear Andrea, </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
I am sorry but I was hoping for something more than your statement to
former Task Force member Glenn Orgeron that you will "continue to write about both sides of
the argument" regarding the toll renewal issue. I was hoping, after you
read the report - as you indicated you might do - that the Times Picayune would
<i>fairly present</i> both sides of the argument. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
First, let's establish that the Times Picayune has, in fact, taken an anti-toll
position. For this I point to a webcast on nola.com posted on Thursday,
February 23, 2012, 3:04 PM where you and Paul Rioux were <span style="color: black;">interviewed</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;"> for </span><a href="http://videos.nola.com/times-picayune/2012/02/should_the_tolls_be_removed_fr.html">On Politics</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> (Click on "On Poitics" to hear webcast.) </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Here are some of the phrases used: </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"The
good news</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> is that
they expire at the end of the year," (by the commentator)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"Most</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Westbank residents want them to
expire." </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Those
that don't want the tolls to expire are "<i>primarily representing
business groups</i>" and wondering "<i>how much they might lobby</i>
to renew the tolls." </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"Sadly</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> there is a contingent that feels that
you have to renew the tolls." </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
First, several of these statements are not even true. When you say, "most
Westbank residents," you seem to have forgotten those who belong to
citizens' groups like the Algiers Point Association, Friends of the Ferry and
the Algiers Neighborhood Presidents Council. All have come out in support of
the tolls. If you are referring to Rep. Pat Connick's "Public
Hearing" which was held the day before the report became public, not only
had no one read it, one man shouted, "I ain't reading no damn
report!" </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
I think it would be more accurate to say, "Those who have read the report
support the tolls and those who have not, do not."</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
As for the statement, "primarily business groups," I would you assume
you were referring to those represented on the Task Force: Jefferson Business
Council, Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), Harvey
Canal Industrial Association, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Algiers Economic Development Foundation,
Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry, St. Bernard Chamber of
Commerce and Westbank Redevelopment Corporation, Inc. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
To that list you can also add: New
Orleans City Council, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Gretna Mayor Ronnie
Harris, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Old Main Street Algiers and Transport
for NOLA. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It would have been far more accurate to say, "Virtually
EVERY organization in the Greater New Orleans area supports the
tolls." That, in fact, is the truth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Here are five examples of how the TP's opinion has spilled over into its
"news" articles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
1. <b>Why was the Task Force not interviewed for this webcast?</b>
Is it not routine journalistic integrity to present both sides of the
story? When a newspaper censors the information the public receives, they
virtually craft public opinion to reach the same conclusion they have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
2. <b>The DOTD's meeting before local officials:</b> Your Feb. 24th
article</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">, </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/02/state_presents_post-toll_plan.html">State presents post-toll plan for Crescent City Connection</a>,<span style="color: #444e5c;"> </span>states, "Briefed Friday on the state's plan
for maintaining the Crescent City Connection </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">after tolls expire at the end of the year, about two
dozen local officials generally <i>responded favorably</i>…"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
I was not at this meeting but heard about it from Gretna Mayor Ronnie Harris,
NOLA Councilwoman-at-large, Jackie Clarkson and NOLA Councilwoman Kristen
Palmer. All used virtually the same phrase, "What meeting was he at?
Because he sure wasn't at the meeting I was at." (In fact,
this is a refrain I heard often from my fellow Task Force members.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
In fact, most did NOT <i>"respond favorably." </i>It was a heated
discussion and virtually everyone there made it clear they could not <u>AND
WOULD NOT</u> pick up the expenses of lighting, grass-cutting, etc. In fact,
the headline should have been, "The bridge will go dark!" The
subheading could have been, "But don't worry, you won't be able to see it
over the grass." </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
3. <b>The "transition to a toll-free bridge" debate: </b>While many
TP articles were accurate when analyzed sentence by sentence, oftentimes ninety
percent of the article represented ten percent of the meeting, giving the
public a skewed sense of the real issues. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
This was especially true in the early articles where the Task Force discussed
whether we were to consider tolls as a possible funding source. On at least
three occasions, although this topic took perhaps 20 minutes out of a three
hour meeting, it was the sole focus of the article. The rest of the
meeting was informational, discussing such issues as how the DOTD would not
provide "essential services" like bridge lighting, regular
grass-cutting and maintenance. Most troubling was that now the CCC Bridge
would have to compete with 13,000 other bridges and 16,000 miles of roadway for
scarce Transportation Trust Funds. AND THERE WAS ALREADY A SEVEN YEAR WAITING
LIST ON THE HIGHWAY PRIORITY PROGRAM. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
That should have been the headline! This is news! These are the
issues! In fact, these meetings occurred before we even discussed funding
sources. Yet the only issue the paper deemed important - even after four legal
opinions and the inability of Rep. (and attorney) Pat Connick to find anyone to
give us a counter opinion - was whether we should be looking at any option
other than letting the tolls expire.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
But the loss of essential services was not the story Paul Rioux wanted to tell.
It was as if we being shamed into forming a predetermined conclusion: That the
tolls must go. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
4. The Task Force Speaks Before New Orleans City Council Transportation
Committee</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">: Although
this meeting was announced in the Times Picayune, it was not deemed
worthy to cover. For the first time the public heard, in depth, the
reasons the Task Force was recommending renewing the tolls. Both Jackie
Clarkson and Kristin Palmer were obviously pro-toll as was EVERYONE in
attendance with the exception of Janet Hower from the Bureau of Governmental
Research who was there defending her own report. Yet this meeting was not
deemed important enough for the TP to cover? </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
5. <b>The Task Force Report has never been reported on.</b> I think
that speaks for itself. Although the Task Force met twice a month for seven
months and the whole purpose was to come up with real answers on how the bridge
could survive effectively without tolls, when the culmination of all that work
determined, <b>"IT CAN'T," </b>the reasons for these findings were
never reported? </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
On Tuesday, March 20th, former Task Force member Pamela Lormand-Bialous and CCC
Oversight Authority member Dr. Skip Gallagher appeared on<span style="color: #1f497d;"> <a href="http://www.wwl.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5752591">Garland Robinette's radio show on WWL</a></span>. (Click on "Garland Robinette" to hear radio show.) At least three times
during the broadcast, Garland used phrases like, "I didn't know
that," "I've never heard that before," and "I've
learned a lot." It was obvious that this smart guy, when he finally
heard the facts, began to realize there might be benefit in continuing the
tolls. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If, as was expressed in your
webcast, "Most Westbank residents want the tolls to expire," then
those folks have concluded that based upon the information they have been
given. By the sole daily newspaper in New Orleans censoring the information the
public receives, the Times Picayune has effectively ensured that their readers
will come to the same conclusion they have: That the tolls must go. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
That the Times Picayune formed this opinion WITHOUT READING THE TASK FORCE
REPORT is especially egregious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fay Faron<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">President, Friends of
the Ferry</span>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-14115546133843138722012-03-19T04:28:00.001-07:002012-03-20T04:06:26.542-07:00We lose significant funding capabilities<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bridge and ferry expenses are classified in two categories: Operating
expenses and capital improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
capital improvements – building or repairing new or existing structures - can
be financed by either tolls or one-time funds such as grants and bonds, operating
expenses can only be funded through an ongoing revenue source like tolls. <b>Grants
and bonds are NEVER issued for operating expenses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Operational Funds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The majority of the Crescent City Connection’s operating
budget comes from bridge tolls and Highway Trust Fund #2. </span><br />
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Bridge
Tolls: $22M annually:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>While
much has been said that a significant amount of this revenue goes toward
the collection of the tolls themselves, this just isn’t true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, this ongoing revenue stream –
along with Highway Trust Fund #2 - finances a dedicated police force,
three ferry routes, routine bridge maintenance, the bridge’s iconic
lighting, street lights under the bridge, landscaping, grass-cutting, litter
pickup, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Highway
Trust Fund #2: $5.6 M +/- annually:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></b>Vehicular licensing fees and gasoline taxes are collected
statewide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the six parishes surrounding
Lake Pontchartrain – <st1:city w:st="on">Orleans</st1:city>, Jefferson, <st1:city w:st="on">St. John</st1:city> the Baptist, <st1:city w:st="on">St. Charles</st1:city>,
Tangipahoa and <st1:place w:st="on">St.</st1:place> Tammany - get to keep these
taxes in their own separate fund and do not have to share with the rest of
the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These funds are split evenly
between the Causeway and the CCC bridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If tolls are not renewed, the CCCD’s half will revert to the
DOTD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even if tolls are reinstated
at a later date, one-fifth of our funding will be lost forever. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Capital Funds<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A city either goes forward into the future or decays. It is a
living thing that cannot exist frozen in time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Unless</span> infrastructure is not only maintained but
improved, the region suffers not only economically but in an
overall reduction in quality of life to its residents. There are two
traditional funding sources for capital <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>improvements. </span><br />
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Bonds: </b>With a dedicated revenue source such as tolls and Highway
Trust Fund #2 comes the ability to obtain a “loan” of up to <b>$150 M</b>
in one-time funds that can be used for capital projects. Without any significant
incoming revenue, the ability to bond is lost. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Federal
Funding: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>With a revenue source
such as tolls, the CCCD can quality for up to <b>80 percent </b>in matching
federal grants. In fact,<b> <u>U.S. Transportation officials told local public officials that
if we as a region refuse to toll ourselves, our federal funding capacity
would be lost</u></b>. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Bottom Line<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Money begets money. Without a reliable revenue stream, we simply can’t
qualify for loans or grants. By allowing the tolls to expire, we are not just turning
down our only source for an operating budget, we are eliminating the ability to fund projects like a <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Peters Road</st1:address></st1:street>
off ramp, a more viable HOV lane, and a more robust ferry system. </span>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-85921717375573308592012-03-05T07:30:00.000-08:002012-03-08T03:56:49.248-08:00The Lights Will Go Out<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Imagine the hootin’ and hollerin’ the first toll-free day on
the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The toll plazas are still up
so twelve lanes of traffic are still metering into four without much change. By
noon, the public is all atwitter that they were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right</i>, that the Crescent City Connection can operate just fine
without tolls, thank you very much. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But, in fact, the day after the tolls come off is going to
look pretty much like the day before. For one thing, the fiscal year doesn’t end
until June 30, 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the soonest
any services will stop. </span></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Fast-forward six months<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s the first day of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re coming home from work. Something is different. You’re almost to
the bridge but you can’t see it. Then you’re <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on</i> the bridge – except it’s as dark as a country road. What
happened?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The bridge has gone dark, that’s what.<b> </b>Nobody
mentioned this alarming side effect. But in fact, the bridge tolls paid for not
just the iconic decorative lights on the span but the streetlights on the
approaches and under the expressways as well. It’s dark. It’s scary. It’s
definitely not safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equally troubling,
the brilliant span that defined the New Orleans skyline at nationally watched
events - Mardi Gras, Superbowl, The Final Four, etc. - is no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will everyone still know <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">New Orleans</st1:city></st1:place> is open for business? </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Local government told to pick up the bill<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The DOTD does not pay for lighting. They don’t do it on any
of the other state bridges so it certainly wouldn’t be “<u><em><strong>fair</strong></em></u>”<em> </em>if they
did it for the Crescent City Connection. You can’t argue with that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That is why the DOTD informed local officials they would be
installing three sets of meters, each to cover the portion of the bridge that
ran through their jurisdiction. <st1:city w:st="on">Gretna</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Orleans</st1:city> and <st1:place w:st="on">Jefferson</st1:place>
parishes would all be billed directly by Entergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three called it an “unfunded mandate”
they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could not pay.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But let’s face it, it would be a pretty un-savvy politician
that didn’t consider that losing our city's iconic branding might cause
some to rethink the brilliance of doing away with the tolls. Especially with
Anderson Cooper covering the event like the implosion of a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Las Vegas</st1:city></st1:place> casino. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Enter “transition money”<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Officially, transition money’s purpose is to continue funding
until such time as another entity can pick up the cost. But, of course, transition
money also masks the negative effect of an unwise political decision until those
who proposed it are safely reelected or have moved on to another office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although on February 29<sup>th</sup>, the Times Picayune reported
that Marrero Rep. Patrick Connick intended to file a bill setting
aside “70 percent of the estimated $9 million to $15 million in surplus toll
revenue to pay for lighting and maintaining flower beds..." as of March 2nd - the last day to pre-file bills - he had not done so.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At $2.5 million per year for landscaping, grass-cutting and
litter pickup and $800,000 more for bridge lighting, the <u>one-time</u> funds Rep
Connick says he intends to tap would pay Entergy’s bill for another three to four years
at most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should the bill not pass, the
lights will go out on schedule: <strong>July 1, 2013.</strong> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Either way, <u><em>without tolls,</em></u> within FOUR YEARS, the bridge will
go dark. </span></b>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-715168380043207649.post-88897285651036732542012-02-27T17:32:00.000-08:002012-03-01T04:27:46.283-08:00Why are we the only Mississippi River Bridge that pays tolls?<span style="font-family: Arial;">“It’s not fair! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The DOTD finances all the other bridges, why not the Crescent City Connection?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You want fair? In fact, when tolls cease, the DOTD has promised to treat us just like they do the other 13,204 bridges and 16,666 miles of roadway they service. No better and no worse. In a word: fair.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To ensure the entire state is treated fairly, the DOTD uses the Highway Priority Program. Simply put, it determines which projects they fund first </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">based on critical need. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even before Gov. Jindal cut the budget by $900 million, there were over 7 years of projects on the Highway Priority Program awaiting funding. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But we DO pay a toll. And for that $.40, CCC drivers get 13 things the rest of the state does not. </span><br />
<br />
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A dedicated police force that removes debris and accidents and keeps traffic moving</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Iconic lighting that defines the N<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">ew
Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> skyline</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">More frequent trash pick-up and grass-cutting.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Landscaping which the DOTD does not provide at all</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Maintenance as needed verses having to compete with the rest of the
state via the Highway Priority Program</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Painting as needed verses having to compete with the rest of the state for dwindling DOTD dollars</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A
dedicated yearly revenue stream of over $22 million </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonding capabilities created by that revenue stream which enables us to obtain over $150M in one time funds to finish much needed capital projects</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Matching funding capabilities </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ability to obtain federal grants.for which we would be refused if we opted to discontinue tolling ourselves </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The ability to finance the projects WE choose, including those not designated as state roads, which are the only projects the DOTD funds </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> A ferry service that not only keeps 2.9M annual ferryboat users off the bridge but creates a greener and healthier option for commuters and tourists alike</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The ability to keep our area’s own vehicle registration revenue (approximately $5M annually) rather than
having to share it with the rest of the state </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do we really want "fair?"</span>Fay Faronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08933469453113947175noreply@blogger.com1