Letter: Mid-States Corridor battle lines drawn

The article in the Dubois County Free Press, “Jasper Council hears all sides on Mid-States corridor”,  https://duboiscountyfreepress.com/jasper-council-hears-all-sides-on-mid-states-corridor/, was very informative and is a must read for anyone interested in hearing both sides of the issue.

At first blush it appeared the time allocations were equal; but, in fact, the proponents were given a full hour to present their case, while the opponents were relegated to a mere 30 minutes. Yes, the Lochmueller Group and INDOT are both proponents as is, obviously, the Mid-States Corridor RDA. Another example of Goliath beating up on David.

The Lochmueller Group and INDOT were once again disingenuous with the facts. The most glaring example of this disingenuousness is stating that the US 231 upgrade would displace 461 properties. What they didn’t say was that assuming US 231 was a Super 2-Lane, all the way through Huntingburg and Jasper, it would displace 461 homes. Upgrading US 231 with some passing and improved turn lanes and intersections would result in the same or fewer displaced properties, if any at all. The truth and the facts matter.

Once again the Mid-States Corridor RDA led with personal attacks and a false narrative that the Property Rights Alliance never presents data or real facts. At the Huntingburg City Council meeting the RDA asked why the Council would change their support decision now; and, at the Jasper City Council meeting they asked why anyone not living in the city of Jasper should have an opinion. In the first case it’s because since the Huntingburg City Council was first presented with the proposal, seven years ago, more facts and data have come to light and situations have changed; and, with regards to the Jasper Council meeting, why should Jasper have any say at all since the entire Corridor is outside the city limits. This is how the proponents try and befuddle the public.

The opponents presented data from the Tier 1 and Tier 2 studies that are inconsistent and shown to be false in the published reports. The PRA did not make up any data, just basically read the report back to the RDA.

The battle lines have been drawn. The first shots have been fired. The war for personal freedom and private property rights in Dubois County has started. The examples of why the Mid-States Corridor is wrong are numerous. The people are speaking and they are clear saying, “No to the Corridor”. Even the younger generations are opposed to the Corridor. This is a fight for the very soul of Dubois, Martin and Daviess counties.

This is rural America, the Heartland, the backbone and yes, the soul of America. Because of our traditions and heritage, America is the strongest nation the world has ever known. This fact was proved first in 1776 when we defeated Great Britain, the world’s dominant power at the time, and it continues today. We are Americans, and we will not be kept down and under anyone’s boot heel. Stand up, be counted and continue to yell “No, not on my land!”

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County

Editors note: to clarify, this is not Mr. Jim Arvin of Jasper, the former CEO of Jasper Desk