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Congressman seeks measure targeting anti-I-69 group

Associated Press
February 2, 2012
Keywords
Bloomington, Federal Government, Government, I-69, Interstates/Highways, Monroe County, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
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An Indiana congressman is seeking an amendment to a federal bill that would target a Bloomington group's refusal to include part of the Evansville-to-Indianapolis Interstate 69 extension in its local transportation plan.

The amendment offered by Republican U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon would give governors the authority to insert an interstate highway into a transportation improvement plan "without approval or endorsement" of a local Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Bloomington-Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization has refused to include I-69 in its area transportation plan. That step is needed for federal money to be used on a 1.75-mile stretch of I-69 near the city. The full highway will span 142 miles.

The Herald-Times reported that a House committee was scheduled Thursday to consider Bucshon's amendment to the federal highway reauthorization bill.


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  • Bypass
    TomFebruary 3, 2012 7:57 PM
    Actually, completely bypassing Bloomington isn't a bad idea - since I-69 is going to need an offset to get around Martinsville, anyway, just start earlier. No Exit for SR 46, though. None whatsoever. And downgrade SR 37 south of Martinsville to secondary status... and just listen to the howls from all the IU fans and alumni when their (weekly) pilgrimages take twice as long. Well, OK, an exit at Gosport... SR 39 north of Martinsville (not south), Gosport (US231), Bloomfield, Loogootee, Jasper....
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • I-59
    paul mccartneyFebruary 3, 2012 7:37 PM
    Yup, the best Congress money can buy.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Go around them
    bda1205February 3, 2012 3:26 PM
    If the fine folks of Bloomington don’t want the benefits of I-69 going through their city, then why not go around and not include them in the route? Have the road merge into 37 North of Bloomington, or even just alter the route to come up Ind. 67 that was one of original eight options in proposed routes.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • Disconnect Between Actions and Words - AGAIN!
      SunnyFebruary 3, 2012 1:36 PM
      They talk about the evils of big government, yet continually behave like the biggest government bullies we've ever seen. I sure wish more people would remember the old adage, "Actions speak louder than words," and stop believing the meaningless slogans that politicians keep flinging about.
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • Proof......
      JoeFebruary 3, 2012 9:41 AM
      Does anybody need any more proof on how costly and devastating road construction is. A Congressman is paid enough by road lobbyists that he wants to ammend policy to prevent local communities from having a say where a state project will go.........gosh, let's keep protecting road building. As long as we create projects, we will have low paying jobs. A win all around......
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • IN wants to eliminate Local gov...power grab
      jc reynolFebruary 2, 2012 5:23 PM
      As state politicians complain about fed gov, let us understand that IN state gov is also trying to eliminate or diminish local gov that stand in the way. Walking all over the US constitution... Power grab all the way!!!
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • We all know
      Betr'nuFebruary 2, 2012 4:03 PM
      So much for any local control on any issue.
      Apparently once the governor decides, no one
      is allowed to question. We all better take a
      second look at eliminating township government
      or any other local bodies.
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • You got style
      I see nowFebruary 2, 2012 1:59 PM
      That's way to go you Republicans. This is your style.
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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