Ledbetter
Member
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/
sns-ap-nafta-superhighway0109jan09,0,5806473.story
I split the link into two lines.
Get this:
Work Resumes on 'NAFTA Superhighway'
By KIMBERLY HEFLING
Associated Press Writer
January 9, 2003, 6:15 PM EST
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- An ambitious project approved by Congress five years ago to transform Interstate 69 into a link between Canada and Mexico may finally be on its way south.
After years of studies and debate, Gov. Frank O'Bannon announced Thursday plans to build a 140-mile route through southwest Indiana's farming communities that will allow the "NAFTA Superhighway" to extend beyond Indianapolis -- where I-69's last leg was completed more than two decades ago.
The highway would go through Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Most of the states, bogged down in bureaucratic bickering, haven't decided on routes.
Backers of the project, which is expected to cost at least $8.5 billion, say it would save four hours in travel time between Indianapolis and the Mexican border and ease congestion stemming from the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement.
The route chosen by Indiana is likely to face continued opposition and possible lawsuits by environmentalists, who say the destruction to forest and farmland outweighs any economic benefit.
O'Bannon said the extension of Interstate 69 was needed to better connect Evansville, Indiana's third-largest city, with Indianapolis and spur economic growth.
"It's a route for economic health and educational opportunities," O'Bannon said.
Andy Knott of the Hoosier Environmental Council said O'Bannon "picked one of the most expensive and destructive routes available."
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press
In case you had any doubt that Washington doesn't give a damn about U.S. taxpayers.