Writes Times reporter Dan Carden regarding the proposed Illiana Expressway commission:

Gov. Mitch Daniels wants to create a bistate commission with Illinois to streamline planning and bidding for the Illiana Expressway.

Speaking to reporters Friday, the Republican governor said an existing bridge commission between Indiana and Kentucky could serve as a model for the Illiana joint venture.

Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to meet with Illinois’ Gov. Pat Quinn about the Illiana Expressway commission, reports Jon Seidel of the Post-Tribune.

Mitch Daniels said he will sign the Illiana Expressway legislation passed by the Indiana House and Senate when it reaches his desk.

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Now the Illiana Expressway bill goes to Gov. Mitch Daniels for his signature. 

It is expected that Daniels will sign the Illiana Expressway legislation into law.

Writes the Post-Tribune’s Jon Seidel:

However, even Gov. Mitch Daniels acknowledged Tuesday there’s still no guarantee the long-sought highway will be built.

“It definitely opens the door to what could be the breakthrough we’ve always wanted,” Daniels said.

More on the Illiana Expressway legislation from the Northwest Indiana Times.

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Two Northwest Indiana legislators voted “NO” on the Illiana Expressway legislation –  State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, and state Rep. Don Lehe, R-Brookston — reports the Post-Tribune.

The Indiana House approved version the Illiana Expressway legislation (SB 382) will now go before the Indiana Senate for approval.

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