Gov. Holcomb Announces Next Level Connections Program

The program will be funded by Toll Road rate increases.

Governor Eric Holcomb outlines Next Level Connections Program. Photo provided. 

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A new billion-dollar plan will invest in Indiana infrastructure.

Governor Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday a renegotiated agreement with the company operating the Indiana Toll Road to increase toll rates for heavy vehicles.

The Next Level Connections program will expand broadband services, grow the state’s system of trails, create more nonstop international flights and move up the completion of major highway projects.

“Today, we’re defining Indiana differently than ever before. Next Level Connections is a direct investment in Hoosier infrastructure and quality of life that is essential to take Indiana to the next level,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Under the deal, The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company will increase toll rates by 35 percent beginning in October for drivers of class 3 vehicles and higher. The $1 billion in proceeds will be used to fund planned road projects in the seven Toll Road counties, which will free up INDOT resources to be directed to the Next Level Connections program.

Approximately $600 million of the Toll Road proceeds is expected to go towards work on Interstate 69, a project Holcomb says will be completed in 2024 - three years earlier than expected. Another $190 million would go towards improvements Routes 20, 30 and 31.

“Improvements on the Toll Road, on Highways 20, 30 and 31 will make our roads safer for truck and vehicle traffic alike and enhance economic development opportunities,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Other money will be spent on rural broadband access, hiking trails and bike lanes across the state.

The state also plans to complete the evaluation and purchase of land to develop the state’s fourth port on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg.

For more information, go to www.in.gov/gov.

See reaction from state lawmakers below.

House Speaker Brian Bosma:

“Today’s announcement underscores Gov. Eric Holcomb’s commitment to making our state an attractive destination for workers and businesses alike. I look forward to working with the governor to help build connections for all Hoosiers through supporting strong policies that solidify Indiana’s position as the economic powerhouse of the Midwest.” 

State Senator David Niezgodski (D-South Bend):

“Although I was in support of Indiana’s recent 20-year infrastructure plan, I am hesitant to give my support to this newest development because there was zero transparency involved. There was no process of vetting funding options and I would have appreciated a phone call from the governor as this new plan will most certainly affect my district.

“My biggest concern is that we have no idea of the effect this 35-percent increase in tolls for heavy vehicles will have on industries within the toll road corridor or upon the employees who work for them. Legislators and industry officials were supposed to study this issue thoroughly and weren’t given that opportunity. It is unknown just how this rate increase will impact local, Hoosier businesses versus out-of-state companies. The potential to adversely affect our state’s businesses with little-to-no say from anyone who will be directly impacted, at the very least, appears shortsighted.”

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody:

“Today it’s higher tolls on trucks in northern Indiana, tomorrow it might be tolls for Hoosiers commuting on I-70 or I-65. Hoosier motorists are rightfully frustrated the higher taxes they are already paying haven’t fixed the roads they drive every day. Holcomb and Statehouse Republicans promised Hoosiers raising taxes would be a silver bullet, but Republicans are already back asking for more. When is it enough and when will Hoosiers start to see an improvement in the roads and bridges they drive?”

State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg):

"Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Connections program wisely highlights the need for Indiana to complete the evaluation of developing a fourth port in Lawrenceburg. When looking at areas of infrastructure investment, our waterways must be included. Southeast Indiana’s economic potential is significant, and Holcomb’s support for finalizing the analysis of this port shows that Indiana is looking at all opportunities ‘to take Indiana to the next level.’”