New Orleans, La. -- City Council members fear the Crescent City Connection will end up in bad shape if the tolls are not extended, and they expressed that concern to state transportation officials at City Hall Thursday.
According to the state, 150,000 motorists move across the span every day.
"You all are not listening to the people that have been a part of this bridge," Councilwoman-at-Large Jackie Clarkson said in addressing Transportation and Development Secretary Sherri LeBas.
LeBas appeared before the council to talk about how the bridge will be maintained if the tolls expire at the end of the year. In November, voters will decide whether to extend the tolls on the bridge strung across the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
With or without the tolls, LeBas said the state has a responsibility to keep the bridge in safe condition.
"DOTD will provide the essential services for the bridge and road maintenance," LeBas stated.
But city leaders are convinced that, without the toll revenue, the span will fall into disrepair.
"I feel like when I listen to you addressing it, no offense, I'm rearranging chairs on the Titanic as it goes down," Clarkson stated.
Without the tolls, the ornamental lighting on the span could go dark. The state said the lighting is not its responsibility. Years ago, a local organization raised money to fund the lights on the bridge.
"At the state-funded level the lighting is zero, and that is because DOTD... we're prohibited by state law from maintaining street lighting. The municipalities, if there's lighting in a municipality, whether it's on an interstate, bridge lighting -- that is handled by the local municipality," LeBas stated.
''It's an issue of public safety," said Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer.
Grass cutting under the bridge would also be reduced without the toll revenue.
Council members said the bridge needs more services, not less, given its location.
"You don't compare the fifth busiest bridge in America to rest of Louisiana…We need to treat this bridge like New York and LA," Clarkson said.
"It just doesn't sit well with us," said Councilwoman Diana Bajoie.
