Indiana Finalizes $3.8 Billion Toll Road Lease

ndiana finalized its leasing of the Indiana Toll Road in a $3.8 billion, 75-year lease plan to a foreign consortium of investors, the Associated Press reported.

State Budget Director Chuck Schalliol signed documents closing the deal with Australian-Spanish consortium Macquarie-Cintra, AP said.

Proponents said the deal would help create jobs in Indiana, as the money was expected to help pay for hundreds of highway projects over the next 10 years, AP reported.

House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer (D) said many Indiana residents are angry because their toll revenue will go to overseas companies, AP reported.

The deal allows transfer of operations and maintenance of the 157-mile highway across northern Indiana to the private subsidiary, ITR Concession Co., which will get its toll revenue for 75 years, AP said.

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