Posted on 08/05/2004 8:38:51 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
With a $2.5 billion overrun on the new span and only about $140 million left in the bank, the Bay Bridge project is in danger of running out of money before a solution to the funding gap is found.
Caltrans was expected to brief the California Transportation Commission today on the span --now estimated to cost $5.1 billion, according to a draft Caltrans budget document -- but agency spokesman David Anderson said Wednesday the status report has been postponed until next month.
That has put the link between Oakland and San Francisco in legislative limbo.
Legislators are waiting for Caltrans to ask for help and several expressed frustration that information about the cost overruns has not come faster because time to find a solution is running out.
Even if Caltrans asks for more money this week, lawmakers would have just three weeks to craft a rescue plan because the Legislature adjourns Aug. 27 and has no plans to return for general business until January.
(Excerpt) Read more at contracostatimes.com ...
Piece of cake...
Raise bridge tolls at all Bay ARea bridge tool booths.
FRom 3 to 4 to 5 dollars a whack.
Is the structure in question partially built?
Last night, Discovery Channel had a farly good show on the construction of the new Bay Bridge.
IIRC, the initial bids were something like twice the CALTRANS estimates.
Good luck getting it done.
Way, way, way over budget and now suffering more delays due to recent discovery of Indian remains.
Uh, you ride a subway maybe once or twice a day, maybe, huh?
Some folks cross these bridges many times a day.
I don't see the problem. Increase taxes. This is, after all, the Bay Area. They LOVE high taxes here. I know, I used to live there.
I would think a 25%-50% sales tax increase here should solve the problem. After all, they also get an all important bike lane.
I live and work and play in Manhattan, but *I* am a rarity. My secretary and her husband each have to cross two bridges each way to/from work/home. Crossing the Hudson from NJ, or the VZ bridge from Staten Island, is a regular, daily part of life for many folks here.
I watched Modern Marvels on the History Channel last night, and they had an excellent explanation of what and how the new bridge is being built.
One thing that struck me was that during the whole show, you constantly saw foremen faising hell to get thier men off of thier asses and get to work.
Then I saw the Union Local stickers on the hard hats.
Count your blessings if the cost over run is only as high as it it right now....the Union(s) will be sure to get as much money for as little work as possible.
Hell, if the bridge was being built by non-union men an women, you would be amazed at how much money would be saved..
I don't think that would be necessary. Just use the toll funds that the liberals are stealing for ferries, buses, BART, etc. I'd bet it's plenty.
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