Governor Daniels proposed a plan called "Major Moves" to fund the expansion of I-69 and other transportation projects in Indiana. As part of this plan, the state leased the Indiana Toll Road to a private company for $3.85 billion, providing immediate funding. Major Moves also includes pursuing public-private partnerships to build transportation infrastructure, including adding tolls to the new sections of I-69. These types of partnerships are common nationally and have been successful in other states by ensuring projects are completed on time.

1. Government Funding
As stated earlier, ground breaking for the I-69 expansion was set for 2017 at the very earliest
with the earliest completion date being scheduled for 2035. When Governor Mitch Daniels
took off in January of 2005, he felt that this time was unacceptable. In an effort to fund the
project, as well as many others, he put together a plan known as “Major Moves”.
Prior to Governor’s Daniels’ initiatives, there was not a clear cut plan for funding the
expansion initiative. Also the state of Indiana was consistently spending more money, and
was fiscally broke by most standards. There was $1 available for every $2 needed for
transportation needs. By many projections, Indiana was facing a $2.8 billion shortage of funds
in regards to upcoming transportation projects. (Note: this includes other transportation
projects not mentioned in this report).
Governor Daniels’ Major Moves program includes many other transportation projects, not
limited to I-69 expansion. There are over 200 transportation projects that are going to be
funded through Major Moves.
The first step in Major Moves was to lease the Indiana Toll Road I-80/ I-90. (Appendix 1) This
brings an immediate supply of funds to Indiana for funding of the expansion. Governor
Daniel’s submit a Request for Proposal (also known as “bids”) to all interested. The winning
bid was placed by an Australian-Spanish firm, Cintra-Macquarie, for $3.85 billion for 75 years.
The Toll Road is still owned by Indiana, and the state’s strict standards will still be applied.
Now with the funds necessary, projected start date has been pumped up to 2008 with a clear
plan on how to pay for it. Governor Daniels has already put Major Moves dollars to use, by
giving Indiana State Police a pay raise.
Governor Daniels has also expressed in making a private/public partnership. The extension
would include tolls along the new I-69. Nearly 2/3 of drivers on Indiana highways are not
Hoosiers, so the majority of the tolls will be paid by outside residents. There will not be tolls
through Perry Township in Indianapolis as a part of a legislative compromise during the
session.
Private partnerships are not uncommon. A British firm, BAA USA, has operated the
Indianapolis International Airport since 1995.
The private partnership will ensure that all deadlines are met on the expansion of I-69. Strict
State laws will be applied to the I-69 partnership, similar to the Indiana Toll Road agreement.
Even down to specifics such as how long they have to remove road kill.
The winning firm will also have to hire Hoosiers first, as well as buy 90% of their
supplies/products from Hoosier companies.
These types of transportation related partnerships are not uncommon nationally. State Road
895, also known as the Pocahontas Highway) in Richmond, Virginia was completed 15 years
ahead of schedule. State Road 125 and the planned Trans-Texas Corridor, have public-
private partnerships similar to Governor Daniels’ Major Moves plans.