Indianapolis P3 Criminal Justice Project on Brink of Falling Apart

CHICAGO — Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard's ambitious plan to build a $400 million criminal justice center downtown is on the brink of falling apart amid opposition from the city-county council.

The justice center is envisioned as the largest public-private partnership of its kind so far in the U.S.

Ballard's plan calls for a new criminal justice complex in downtown Indianapolis to replace four existing facilities. It would be structured as an availability-payment P3.
The project's future is uncertain amid strong political opposition.

The City-County Council of Indianapolis and Marion County declined to revive the proposal earlier this month after a committee had earlier voted not to send it to the full council.

Opponents said they did not have enough input into the plan and that a report they commissioned showed revenue shortfalls of up to $39 million during the first nine years.

Critics also said the financing details remained unclear.

“While there is widespread agreement on the pressing need to address our city's outdated, inefficient criminal justice facilities, it is clear that there is no confidence that this proposal is affordable for taxpayers and its time has passed,” council President Maggie Lewis said in a statement.

Officials from Ballard's administration said they are working with the developer on a revised plan that it will present to the council on June 8, according to local reports.

The private team on the 35-year deal is an international consortium led by Meridiam Infratsructure and Walsh Investors. The bid reportedly expires at the end of May.

The finance team includes Nossaman LLP, acting as the city's national counsel, financial advisor KPMG and local counsel Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP.

Ballard is not running for re-election in November.

 

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