OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Bridge Day is Saturday in Owensboro and Kentucky lawmakers say there's now money in the budget to paint the Blue Bridge, but Indiana is not ready with its share of the money.
As you well know, you can't just paint half a bridge, and when your bridge goes from one state to another, both sides have to put up the money.
Owensboro's Smothers Park just opened last month.
"We're very proud of the way we're remaking our riverfront here in Owensboro and Daviess County and then you look up and see the Blue Bridge," said Representative Rep. Tommy Thompson.
"I think they need to rebuild it," said resident Ashley Christian. "It looks like it's about to fall apart."
Structurally, the bridge is said to be in good shape after last year's deck rehab project. Visually, the rust shows.
Kentucky officials have set aside $8.5 million for their portion to paint the bridge. The problem is, Indiana doesn't have the money in their budget until around 2017.
In the meantime, Kentucky State Officials are sending a letter to Indiana leaders to find out in writing when exactly Indiana will be ready to paint.
"If we get some communication back in the next 30 days, for example, that says yes we have in our budget 2017. It'll be funded then, then there's a opportunity perhaps for Kentucky to say we'll go ahead and incur the entire cost knowing that we'll get the other 8.5 million of Indiana's portion in 2017," Thompson said.
"Indiana needs to hurry up," resident Blaide Puckett says. "I mean we're ready to make a change. I think they need to come up with money."
Residents believe a better looking bridge means more tourism for Owensboro.
We'll keep you updated on when Indiana says they're willing to paint for sure, and if Kentucky will try the option we'll pay for it now, you pay us back in 2017.
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Kentucky officials have set aside $8.5 million for their portion to paint the bridge.
