Rep. Carson Applauds EPA Action
Decision Points Toward Best
And Least Costly I-69 Choice

WASHINGTON, DC-Congresswoman Julia Carson today applauded the recent
review of Indiana's Draft Environmental Impact Statement concerning the
proposed extension of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville by the Region
V office of the Environmental Protection Agency.  In a letter dated November 7,
Thomas V. Skinner, Regional Administrator for Region V, communicated his
agency's reservations to the Division Administrator of the Indiana Division of the
Federal Highway Administration.

"In addition to their threats to community life and their excessive cost, many of
us have long thought the so-called 'new terrain' or 'direct' proposed routes threaten
environmental harm greatly exceeding any benefit they might provide.  The
EPA's questions confirm these threats and underscore the wisdom of the least
damaging route in terms of harm to the environment, the expansion of I-70 and
US 41," Congresswoman Carson said.

"Today, the continuing funding resolution brought forth by the Republican
leadership and passed in the House slashed highway construction funds.  In this
time of severe fiscal constraint it is especially important that we make fiscally
prudent choices," the Congresswoman said.

 
"I congratulate the Hoosier Environmental Council, the Environmental Law &
Policy center, Citizens for Appropriate Rural Roads, the Decatur Township Civic
Association, and a long list of other organizations, along with countless
volunteers, ordinary people turned activist, for their great focus on the long terms
needs of Indiana that has helped to bring about this EPA review.  As cumbersome
as it may sometimes seem, this is a useful example of the law at work.  It is my
hope that our state will pay close attention and turn its thinking back in the
direction of the best, least harmful and least expensive option," Congresswoman
Carson said.

Rep. Carson has twice written letters of comment concerning the choice of I-69
routes that appeared too costly to community, to the environment and to the
public treasury.  "Economic development is a worthy goal but we must not
develop one part of the state at great cost to another-to our own communities in
Decatur or Perry Township, or our farms, fields, woodlands and water," she says.

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Immediate Release--for more information: Sarge Visher, 202-225-4011 or
sarge.visher@mail.house.gov