The Politics of Reason on I-69

Fault lines over the route for Interstate 69 through southwestern Indiana
are growing more distinct.
Terre Haute Tribune Star -October 2000

In fact, that has been a positive byproduct of the decision by Gov. Frank O'Bannon two years ago to order a new study into the need and routing possibilities for I-69.

As time goes on and the debate sharpens, it is becoming increasingly clear where different political and geographic factions stand, and why. It is largely a parochial battle which, after all the engineering and technical studies are finished, will be decided on political grounds.

Leadership in Terre Haute and west-central Indiana favors using existing highways for I-69. That would mean upgrading U.S. 41 from Evansville to Terre Haute and improving Interstate 70 from Terre Haute to Indianapolis. That route would save money for the state, preserve the environment and protect current businesses from losing profits due to the redirected flow of traffic.

Leaders in Evansville and many southwestern Indiana counties see the issue much differently. They believe they've been cut off from Indianapolis for too long and should have a direct, fast and convenient route to the capitol city.

Having I-69 routed to Indianapolis through Terre Haute would undoubtedly lengthen the drive for people in Evansville. How much, however, is in dispute. Initial Indiana Department of Transportation studies indicated the U.S. 41/I-70 route would add only 10 miles to the trip. Evansville officials say it's more like 30 miles, which fuels their support for a new-terrain highway rather than using existing roads.

When seen from that parochial perch, it's clear someone stands to be a loser when the final route determination is made. Evansville folks will save time and money with a new-terrain highway. But those benefits will come at the expense of places such as Terre Haute and Vincennes.

If you're willing to call the parochial battle a draw, then you must look to statewide impact and issues as deciding factors. Although no one is sure those factors will be weighed properly, they should be.

There have been a number of studies conducted assessing I-69's economic impact. Not all have been in agreement. But the one that most caught our attention came from economist William Styring, a senior fellow with the Indianapolis-based Hudson Institute. Styring delivered his assessment at last week's I-69 2000 Common Sense Conference. He said his independent analysis indicates that building a new-terrain interstate from Evansville to Indianapolis won't provide Hoosiers a good return on their rather sizable investment. He said it makes more fiscal sense to upgrade I-70 and U.S. 41.

Styring's analysis and comments are important to this debate. They focus attention on the larger issues related to the highway routing question, and they help mold public opinion. Hopefully, Styring and others like him will help galvanize the public and bring intense political pressure on the governor to act in the most reasonable and responsible way on I-69.

Choosing the U.S. 41/I-70 alternative is the most reasonable and responsible route for I-69. Getting transportation officials and the governor to recognize that, however, remains an uphill battle.

Terre Haute Tribune Star, Oct, 2000