Dubois County Council discusses financial concerns for Mid-States Corridor

Several Dubois County Council members voiced opposition or concern for the proposed Mid-States Corridor highway project during the regular meeting on Monday.

The discussion followed resident Chris Thyen’s question about their view of the corridor during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Their concerns centered primarily on the county’s ability to fund the Indiana Department of Transportation’s request for a 10 percent contribution to the project, amounting to between $90 million $135 million. INDOT has stated that this amount could come in various forms, including in-kind services, as well as local entities assuming control of U.S. 231.

“I just don’t see how county government can afford to put the kind of money that they’re talking about,” said Council president Mike Kluesner. “We’re going to have a tough time without raising taxes to do the things we have to do for public service and public safety.”

Kluesner confirmed that, as a member of the county’s fiscal body, he opposes the corridor.

Councilman Alex Hohl said he didn’t see the benefit of building the road.

“It’s kind of sold as this growth mindset,” he said. “I think maintenance and continuity should be prioritized.”

Councilwoman Meredith Voegerl echoed concerns about the financial impact on the county and questioned how it would change the county’s makeup.

“That (road) would be something my family members would have to cross every day,” she explained. “I feel we may be cut off from the rest of the county.”

She clarified that she wasn’t entirely in support or opposed to the road, but was concerned about the lack of an overpass for State Road 164.

Councilman Doug Uebelhor and Councilwoman Sonya Haas were both members of the council when it approved the $1.75 million contribution to the Tier 1 study. Both stated that the current corridor iteration differs from what was proposed in 2018 when they were asked to support the first study.

As discussed publicly, the proposal then was to study an improved route through the county that could include improving U.S. 231, though most conversations from proponents highlighted the need for a new road.

Uebelhor said he didn’t feel the purported gains of a new roadway were an incentive against the long-term impact on the county.

Haas further stated that the impact on emergency services for the residents was an issue. “I don’t think it is a good idea. I think it is going to make it harder on the citizens of Dubois County,” she explained. “I am totally against it.”

Councilwoman Deena Lewis explained that, despite being the newest member of the council, she approved the council’s decision to support the first study. “I think it was very well intended,” she said. “I think we need to be proactively looking forward, and I think that was what the RDA (Regional Development Authority) was trying to accomplish — what was best for Dubois County.”

She did state that the financial burden was an issue. “I’m looking for the softest financial landing that we can affect for the county,” Lewis said.

While acknowledging the need to route heavy truck traffic out of Downtown Jasper while supporting the area’s businesses, she also stated she didn’t like the current corridor design. “I am not a fan of the route either,” Lewis said. “I find too many disconnects.”

Councilman Ryan Craig agreed with Lewis, noting that the county and state are at odds over how to proceed.

“I think we are so far apart to think we would raise a tax to cover this road…they’re not getting it from us,” Craig said. “There’s just no way. They are going to have to figure it out.”

He added that he didn’t support taking over U.S. 231 in its current condition either.

Thyen asked him what his position would be if money weren’t an issue, and Craig said, for the sake of the area’s businesses, he would support it even though it would go through some of his family’s land.

“I think we got to listen to our businesses on a lot of these things … because without them Dubois County would change,” said Craig.

Despite the widespread opposition among council members, some acknowledged receiving support for the project from residents who remain largely quiet about their positions. “While I do receive information or feedback from a lot of people that are against it, surprisingly I get quite a lot of people that are for it,” said Councilwoman Lewis.

Thyen asked the council to continue to consider the quality of life for the county’s 44,000 residents as they monitor development and are invited to contribute to the project.

“As it comes forward, I would just ask that you give some serious consideration weight to quality of life in the county, as much as the financial,” he said.