News Item #123

The Indiana Department of Transportation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and HNTB Corporation held two public meetings this past Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the three favored routes for the I-69 connection between Indiana and Kentucky with local residents. The summary from the local news is that Henderson residents favor the two eastern routes while Evansville residents favor the western route. The Henderson Chamber of Commerce has indicated their support for the eastern routes. I attended the Henderson meeting and overheard some residents' fears that the study has understated the impact of I-69 on houses and farms in eastern Henderson County. Some Henderson residents have suggested building I-69 even further to the east than what is currently proposed. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be completed by early 2003, with a final statement and approval by the Federal Highway Administration following in 2004.

More information: MyInKy.com: Henderson backs east I-69 corridor (June 28, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Forum to cover options for I-69 (June 27, 2002) , MyInKy.com: Western I-69 route backed in Evansville (June 27, 2002) , Messenger-Inquirer: I-69 eastern routes gain support (June 28, 2002) , I-69 Evansville-Henderson: Level 1 Alternatives Analysis Draft Report