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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear makes new appointment, recommends changes to Bi-State Bridge Authority
Group will create financing plan for construction of bridges between Louisville and Indiana, reconstruction of Kennedy Interchange
FRANKFORT, Ky.—Gov. Steve Beshear today appointed Lexington banker Luther Deaton, Jr. to the Bi-State Bridge Authority, the group charged with developing a financing plan to ensure construction of two bridges between Louisville and Indiana and the reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange in downtown Louisville.
“Luther brings a vast amount of financial expertise to the Bi-State Bridge Authority and he has a long history of business interests and economic development experience in the Metro Louisville area,” said Gov. Beshear. “He will be a valuable asset to this team as we bring this critical infrastructure project to fruition.”
After a consultation with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Govs. Beshear and Daniels are recommending that Charles Buddeke be named chairman of the Authority, Pat Byrne be named treasurer and Sandra Frazier be named secretary. Buddeke, Byrne and Frazier are all current members of the Authority.
Gov. Beshear had appointed former Transportation Cabinet secretary Joe Prather to the Authority, and the group elected Prather as chair. Prather was not confirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. As a result, Prather can no longer serve as chair and cannot be reappointed to the group for two years.
“I have consulted with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, and we agree that we are not going to let politics – partisan or personal – interfere with the progress of this project,” said Gov. Beshear. “Charles Buddeke currently serves on the authority and has extensive experience in economic development. Gov. Daniels and I expect he will be an excellent new chair.”
The Kentucky General Assembly, in its 2009 special session, authorized creation of the bi-state authority and established guidelines for the group’s work. Under the legislation, the governor has three statewide appointments and the Louisville mayor has four appointments from within Jefferson County.
As mandated by the General Assembly, the bi-state authority’s proposed financial plan would contain a timeline for construction of the project and its financing parameters. The financial plan must be approved by the state authority.
The bi-state group’s next meeting is scheduled for May 6, and is open to the public.
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