"Beyond this raising the question of: Does public ownership/private operation mean any losses are public, any profit private? (and I think the answer is, "yes"), I've seen this concept elsewhere, and Merriam-Webster has the definition."

But its more in how crony capitalists roll.  In fact, this would be a great place to stop and find a local 'occupier' for the purposes of redirecting them to the Michigan capitol's lawn.  No doubt much of the occupy movement is (for lack of a more appropriate word) 'occupied' by hardcore progressives, but one of the messages they seem to be sporting is they want an end to 'capitalism'.  And though they say 'capitalism,' we all know they mean 'crony capitalism,' as it has been the only thing allowed by the institution of an all powerful bureaucracy through political reward and economic gamesmanship.

This thing, this bridge thing.  As we watch the governor squander political goodwill in deal trade after deal trade, we also watch the effect of good legislators who are willing to question its efficacy, or the need for the bridge.