Letter: Don’t be misled by false claims about the Mid-States Corridor
To the residents of Dubois and Martin Counties, I urge you to critically examine the claims surrounding the proposed Mid-States Corridor. Promoters of this multi-billion-dollar project tout it as a transformative economic driver for the next century, but these assertions lack credible evidence.
One misleading claim is that manufacturers will leave the area without the bypass. This is simply untrue. For example, a local electronics company chose Indianapolis over Dubois County to build a new factory. The issue is workforce availability, not transportation.
Another flawed argument is that “if it doesn’t take your farm, home, or business, it doesn’t affect you.”
The truth is, this project will cost every resident when municipalities and county governments have to shoulder the high cost of maintaining old 231. Dubois Strong leaders continue to push the bypass as the only solution to ensure economic survival. This is complete marketing spin. We already pay enough in road taxes, including wheel taxes, license plate taxes, and fuel taxes, and don’t forget local income taxes. Adding a costly infrastructure project will only increase the deficit.
A Purdue University study highlights that Indiana is already billions of dollars short for maintaining existing roads and bridges. Is it wise to build new infrastructure when we can’t maintain what we have? (https://www.purdue.edu/inltap/resources/2024-08-20-Indiana-Local-Road-and-Bridge-Report—FINAL.pdf#page33.
University of Kentucky (https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1286&context=ktc_researchreports) and independent researchers show that bypasses seldom deliver promised economic benefits of the magnitude promoted by advocates. Many communities see a little to no growth—or even decline—after bypasses are built. Very few had measurable growth, and that was attributed to other factors, such as already available utilities. Ask project advocates for proof of their claims about spectacular new jobs, businesses, and income increases. When this question was posed to Lochmueller Group representatives, their response was telling:
“We don’t track or study economic impact after construction is completed.”
Practical alternatives for improving U.S. 231 traffic exist and were outlined by our previous governor in 2021. These solutions don’t require a burdensome new terrain highway/bypass.
Don’t be swayed by marketing rhetoric. Educate yourself, ask tough questions, and demand evidence. Together, we can make informed decisions for the future of Dubois and Martin counties.
Roger and Pamela Pund
Huntingburg
