20060119

An idea whose time hasn't come..

After five months of hearings and 6,000 public comments, the U.S. Department of Transportation declared on Wednesday what time it is in Indiana.

Turns out it will still depend on where you are.

Eight Indiana counties will move to the central time zone, joining 10 others clustered in the northwest and southwest corners of the state.

The remaining 74 counties will remain one hour ahead in the eastern time zone.

The switch takes place on April 2, when Indiana along with most of the rest of the United States advances its clocks forward one hour to observe daylight savings time.

Previously, much of the state -- excepting five southeastern counties and the 10 central time zone counties -- ignored daylight savings time.

But Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels made a promise to change the status quo, arguing the jumble of clock settings was confusing and posed a hindrance to businesses and residents.

Each Indiana county was offered the opportunity to request a time zone and 17 asked to move to central time from eastern time.

In the end, the federal agency chose eight counties to make the switch, based on factors including where the bulk of business was transacted, where radio and television signals came from, the location of the nearest transit hubs, and where most people worked.

"This rule reflects careful consideration of every public comment we received," said Transportation Secretary
Norman Mineta.

No comments: