Much as public, government and political pressure was applied for years on seeing that Interstate 69 was constructed across Southern Indiana, that same level of pressure must be used now to see a new I-69 bridge built between Evansville and Henderson, Kentucky.
To that end, statewide transportation experts discussed the prospects for a bridge at a symposium hosted by the Southwest Indiana Chamber at the University of Evansville's Schroeder School of Business.
According to a news report by Courier & Press Staff Writer Cole Claybourn, much of the discussion centered on Interstate 69 and the prospective bridge from Evansville to Henderson which would provide a link to Southern Indiana. The point is to make Evansville more accessible while placing it among the major freight routes.
Among the experts at the meeting were UE President Thomas Kazee, who said that prospective students from across the state have said Evansville is too far away and too difficult to get to. He said it has affected the university's recruiting efforts.
Another expert in attendance was Dennis Faulkenberg, president and chief executive officer of APPIAN, a transportation consulting firm, who said it is imperative that people consider the importance of the bridge.
"This is not to be a cul-de-sac in Evansville and that's what I-69 is going to be without that bridge," he said, adding that "this is not just for us to get south; it's to get people from the South coming to Evansville and doing business in Southwest Indiana.
For now, he said, Indiana and Kentucky officials are attempting to determine where they will come up with $860 million to build the bridge. Of course, one possibility is using tolls, a prospect that was discussed for the highway between Evansville and Indianapolis, but never came to be. However, tolls are an option for the bridge. Faulkenberg said polls suggest the public would support tolls, if necessary.
Another force for Interstate 69 is 8th District Rep. Larry Bucshon, who also participated Monday in the session. Bucshon said a bridge connecting Evansville and Henderson via I-69 would be an enormous win for regional and national economics.
The meeting Monday, as well as the ongoing participation of influential officials, is precisely what is needed to begin the campaign for the I-69 bridge. This reminds us of the days when the I-69 highway was little more than a dream. What it eventually took was public pressure led by public officials, business and industry, and citizens who recognized the need for modern transportation.
The same is needed now to build the bridge.