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Environmental groups lose in bid to stop I-69

Associated Press
July 25, 2012
Keywords
Energy & Environment, Environment, I-69, Interstates/Highways, Law, Legal Issues, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
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A federal judge has ruled against opponents of the $3 billion Interstate 69 extension between Indianapolis and Evansville who claimed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal law by giving Indiana permission to fill wetlands and reroute streams along part of the 142-mile road.

U.S. District Judge Larry McKinney wrote in an order issued Tuesday that the Corps' decision to issue a permit was not arbitrary or capricious. He granted summary judgment to the Corps and the Indiana Department of Transportation.

The Hoosier Environmental Council and Citizens for Appropriate Rural Roads argued in their lawsuit the highway would cause "irreparable" environmental harm along a 26-mile section that would cross southern Indiana's Daviess and Greene counties.

A 70-mile section of the I-69 extension is expected to open late this year.

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  • 69
    RonNovember 2, 2012 10:38 AM
    You people just need to stop complaining about everything... You choose to live here. Let the state do what is best for the people. I bet you people complain about everything. Get a life.
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  • Finally
    wl3048July 25, 2012 6:52 PM
    LandMine Of course missing from your argument is the fact that SR 37 between Bloomington and Indianapolis has one of the highest rates of accidents in the state and desperately needs to be upgraded to interstate standards and will only get worse in time as it inevitably becomes more congested. Additionally - without interstate access, Crane Naval Base is likely gone. With the upcoming interstate the base can be retained and comes the opportunity to add jobs for businesses that support the base in one of the poorest parts of the state that could desperately use jobs and hope
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  • DRT.....
    JoeJuly 25, 2012 1:20 PM
    whether swamp or wetland, this portion of earth plays a role so large in the overall ecosystem that you wouldn't be able to comprehend it. Abosrption of pollutants and chmicals in our waterways and habitat for a wide variety of animals, plants and insects will be wiped out........not that you care. There is always more, there is always more, there is always more, there is..........oh no!
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  • It's a good thing!
    I-69July 25, 2012 1:14 PM
    Hey, as a home owner in Greene County, I am extremely happy they have ran I-69 through Greene County. I can remember not too long ago worrying about the "Base Realignment and Closings" taking a hard look at closing Crane. The new I-69 route has played a role, if not a major role, in the decision to keep Crane open. Had the base closed, my wife - employed at Crane, would have lossed her job and my home, that I own in Bloomfield, would have devalued more than I care to even think about. With out the base the area would have literally dried up. But, since I-69 is being built and Crane is remaining open, we have seen more and more business coming to the area in the West Gate Park and in Bloomfield itself. If you own land in Greene County, you almost had to support this hi-way. It will protect the value of your property.
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  • Quit fighting
    RSJuly 25, 2012 10:39 AM
    When will opponents quit claiming that it's only 15 minutes and the infrastructure was already there? As liberal as I am, I don't take lies by either party very well. I suggest you quit spewing your lies.
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  • Name Change
    DRTJuly 25, 2012 10:06 AM
    Remember when wetlands used to be called swamps? I guess trying to get people to save the swamps didn't have the same ring to it.
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  • Pave Paradise
    LandMimeJuly 25, 2012 9:55 AM
    This is sad news. When will humans stop paving over life, when one tree remains? All to save 15 minutes in travel time, big whoop! The much smarter alternative would have been to upgrade highway 41 and improve what we have already invested in.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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