HB0988 Summary: New Harmony Bridge Commission

• Creates the New Harmony Bridge Compact Act and New Harmony Bridge Commissioners Act to establish a bi-state commission between Illinois and Indiana for rehabilitation and maintenance of the New Harmony Bridge crossing the Wabash River.

• Governor must appoint 3 Illinois commissioners (by January 1, 2014) representing Carmi, Crossville, and White County with no more than 2 from the same political party; commissioners serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement.

• Commission has 6 voting members (3 from each state) with power to negotiate bridge acceptance, assume responsibilities from White County Bridge Commission, secure federal financing, establish tolls, and eventually convey the bridge to a private entity upon rehabilitation completion.

• Toll revenues must cover maintenance, repairs, operations, and bond principal and interest; Commission must file annual reports with each state's Governor detailing operations and finances.

• Compact expires 5 years after becoming effective or upon conveyance of bridge to private entity, whichever is earlier, unless both state legislatures authorize extension; Act takes effect immediately.