The debate about whether the final leg of Interstate 69 will follow the path of Ind. 37 to Indianapolis got new life this week, thanks to state Rep. John Price of Greenwood.
The Republican lawmaker authored House Bill 1036, which would remove the requirement that the Indiana General Assembly must enact a statute authorizing construction of I-69 in Perry Township. Should the bill come to a vote, it’s likely to meet some strong opposition in the Senate.
“If it passes the House, I will oppose it,” said state Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis. “It’s too costly and disrupts housing and businesses.”
In a deal to get approval for former Gov. Mitch Daniels’ controversial Major Moves transportation bill in 2006, a clause was added that prevented the interstate from passing through Perry Township without first getting approval from the General Assembly. Miller, whose District 32 includes a portion of the township, said she was responsible for getting that language in the bill. She said the reason is because upgrading the state highway to interstate standards would require taking out a large number of homes and businesses.
Miller said Price talked to her about two months ago, asking if there was room for compromise.
“I essentially said I would need to see new evidence on the issue,” she said. “I have seen no new evidence on the issue.”
State Sen. Brent Waltz, R-Indianapolis, whose District 36 also includes a portion of Perry Township, has expressed similar feelings, saying he would rigorously oppose any attempts to change the clause.
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