Prevailing wage = needless increase in cost: The bridge edition

Kentucky and Indiana are about to jointly embark on a $2.6 billion transportation infrastructure project to improve travel over the Ohio River to connect the two states. The project will result in two new bridges and improved interstate exchanges.

These are badly needed improvements and it is great that these problems are being addressed. It does bear pointing out though that $2.6 billion is a lot of money and as it is taxpayer money it should be spent carefully and transparently. Unfortunately, Kentucky's prevailing wage laws will needlessly increase the cost to the taxpayer and further the state's wasteful spending practices.