Rendering of East End Bridge (via ORBP)

The Courier-Journal just broke the news that River Fields, a group opposing the East End Bridge in favor of a Downtown-only option, has co-filed a lawsuit with the National Trust for Historic Preservation claiming that Federal approval of the Ohio River Bridges Project in the Record of Decision is not valid.  Here’s a quote from the C-J:

“The groups claim the federal government didn’t justify its selection of a two-bridge project; relied on misleading information on the need for an eastern Jefferson County bridge; failed to adequately consider possible impacts, such as construction delays and the effects on nearby historic properties; and failed to prepare an updated environmental report.

…

“And it alleges that the government’s approval of the project and the eastern bridge route was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion” and in violation of the federal Department of Transportation Act.”

Can’t say this move was completely unexpected, but it certainly came down to the wire with only two days remaining to file suit.  We’ll have more on the unfolding story later and what it means for the 8664.org proposal and the Ohio River Bridges Project overall.