Letter: Justifications for Mid-States Corridor unsupported

It’s interesting that those in favor of the Mid-States Corridor all cite the same ludicrous justifications: it will speed up their travel to the store or they won’t be delayed by farm equipment or the elimination of “traffic congestion” or the economic development boon that will come with the completion of the Corridor. Nice sounding platitudes but little to no facts are ever presented.

When presented with facts like the Corridor will save only a few minutes of travel time to Indianapolis, but does not translate in travel time savings between Loogootee and Jasper, they just ignore the data. They refuse to acknowledge that for many residents the Corridor will add travel time to their Loogootee to Jasper trip.

When presented with facts, and discrepancies/omissions in the Tier 1 Study, they throw out the “You are opposed to progress” or “Not everyone wants to live in the little house on the prairie”. They call our agribusiness “hobby farms” that make no money and contribute nothing to the communities. They ignore the heritage of our Amish neighbors and say their time and way of life is passe.

There is no documented data that guarantees a shorter travel time, a safer road, less congestion, increased economic expansion or even progress. The data shows a picture that is not beneficial to our communities. Proponents also say that the businesses opposed to the Corridor do so so as not to lose business, they agree that by-passing Huntingburg, Jasper and Loogootee will not bode well for the local merchants. They don’t seem to realize that losing the local businesses will result in their having to drive to Bloomington or Indianapolis for their shopping. Nor, do they realize that the local businesses will leave before the Corridor will be completed.

These same proponents say “elections have consequences” and the fact that Mike Braun was elected Governor is a mandate for the Corridor, “the people have spoken” they say. It was a foregone conclusion that Mike Braun would be elected as it’s been over 20 years since a Democrat was elected Governor. In general, Hoosiers are a conservative bunch and aren’t necessarily single issue voters. The Mid-States Corridor, being a single issue, did keep Mike Braun’s win in Martin and Dubois to less than 59%. And he was the favorite son candidate.

If one wants to see the proponent’s comments and justifications, just log onto the Facebook page for the Mid-States Corridor. Their comments are there, along with their disdain for the local community and rural life in general.

The Property Rights Alliance (PRA) is doing a great job of staying active. They appeared at the January 21 Martin County Commissioners Meeting. They are articulate, plain spoken and dedicated to stopping the Corridor. Watch for them to appear at more Dubois, Martin and Daviess county government meetings to inform the public about the Mid-States Corridor.

We will stop the Corridor with everyone’s help. Just keep saying “No”.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County