Letter: Lochmueller Group provides update on Mid-States Corridor process

Thank you for the opportunity to share information on the Mid-States Corridor and the study of Section 2 in Dubois County. 

Lochmueller Group was hired by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to conduct the Tier 2 Mid-States Corridor study in Dubois County. Our scope of work is lengthy and guided by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions. Our work is carefully reviewed throughout the study at the state and federal levels.

The Tier 2 Study will evaluate more site-specific impacts to determine the specific, preferred location and right-of-way needs for a 200-to-500-foot-wide facility within the 2,000-foot-wide study area. 

INDOT elected to host an informal meeting to launch the project in Dubois County, share the project study area, explain the timeline and types of decisions that will be made. The project team’s goal for the September public meeting was to increase project awareness. We will encourage participation throughout the study and request specific feedback at key project milestones. At this point, we are just five months into a three-year study and there will be many more opportunities for participation. Our project website (midstatescorridor.com) is a source for the latest, accurate project documents and information about future meetings. You can also visit the website to subscribe to project updates sent via text or email.

Between now and early 2025, crucial outreach activity is taking place with our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and agency partners. The project team solicited representatives from multiple groups, organizations, cities, and counties to serve on the committee. These representatives are providing valuable feedback and serving to keep their respective groups apprised of the ongoing work within Dubois County.

Additionally, the Mid-States Corridor Regional Development Authority is an agency whose role and membership configuration are outlined in Indiana Code.  Its role in the project is the same as other local governments and agency partners that are participating in the study process and providing input and data, as available.

The project team’s responsibility is to gather and document essential data that will be used in the decision-making process.  That data is gathered through research, field investigations, model development and output, and by soliciting input from agencies, stakeholders, property owners, and the public. Based on all evaluation and input related to the project, INDOT, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, will make final decisions regarding project development. 

Finally, the Mid-States project office is open to walk-in visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Jasper Campus of Vincennes University. Appointments are available by calling (812) 759-4179. As always, comments and questions may be shared through the project website at midstatescorridor.com, by emailing Nicole.Minton@lochgroup.com or by calling the project office or INDOT’s customer service line at 855-INDOT4U (463-6848).

Sincerely, 

Nicole Minton
Public Outreach Manager
Lochmueller Group