Dubois Strong study espouses Mid-States Corridor economic impact
Dubois Strong conducted a study in partnership with Hunden Strategic Partners, Inc. (HSP) analyzing the impact the Mid-States Corridor Project will have on Dubois and Spencer Counties.
The Mid-States Corridor is a planned four-lane interstate grade road connecting the improved portion of U.S. 231 in Spencer County to Interstate 69 north of Dubois County.
According to the county economic development agency, the anticipated benefits of the project include increases in economic activity, reduction in congestion and transportation delays, improved access for other modes of transit, decreased costs for freight movement, new employment opportunities, and an overall increase in the quality of life for the region’s residents.
The study stated the new corridor is estimated to generate $1 billion in additional income for Dubois and Spencer counties annually.
A driving factor in creating the corridor is the safety and accessibility of a safe and fast route north to south through the county. The study reported the new road is expected to reduce crashes in Dubois County by 50 percent leading to $9.3 million in annual savings.
Additionally, the route would provide improved access to larger markets for talent, goods, services, and tourism and could result in 7,000 additional jobs, according to the study.
“The importance of the Mid-States Corridor project to the future economic growth of Dubois county, Spencer county, and the general Southern Indiana region cannot be understated,” said Dubois Strong President Ed Cole in a press release. “In addition to providing efficient access to our area’s top markets, this study emphasizes the need to accelerate this project to further establish Southern Indiana as an economic engine that will drive our state forward for generations to come.”
The Mid-States Corridor will be situated around the region’s main logistics hubs. These hubs are centered at four of the busiest and largest freight airports in the world, located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louisville, Kentucky. This proximity to national logistics focal points is expected to boost the growth of global business and distribution in the area, in turn drawing new residents and talent to counties along the corridor.
“The continued economic development of our area will heavily rely on improved transportation, not just for Dubois County but for all of Southern Indiana,” said Airport Manager at Dubois County Airport Authority Travis McQueen. “Increased accessibility to the Indianapolis International Airport will have major benefits to supply chain activity. It also has the potential to improve access to state attractions, bringing Indiana tourism to new heights.”
Huntingburg Mayor Steve Schwinghamer had positive remarks about the study.
“This analysis quantifies how beneficial the development of the Mid-States Corridor will be for Dubois County’s economy,” he said. “I am pleased to see the positive findings in this study and the potential to establish Dubois County as a strong economic center in Indiana.”
A preferred route is expected to be announced by the fall of 2021. They will also publish a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, continue to host public hearings, and provide formal comment periods to keep key stakeholders and local residents informed on project progress.
