Deidra Church - Comments
Deidra ChurchOpposeIndividual
Summary: A resident of Martin County opposes the construction of the Mid-States Corridor, arguing that the project would cause unnecessary environmental and financial costs. The commenter suggests that the Federal Highway Administration should instead prioritize improvements to existing infrastructure, such as U.S. Highway 231, to address local safety and transportation needs.
I respectfully oppose the construction of the proposed Mid-States Corridor and encourage the Federal Highway Administration to carefully reconsider whether a new-terrain highway is the most responsible solution for addressing transportation needs in Dubois County and Southern Indiana.
While I support investments that improve safety, accessibility, and economic opportunity, I believe these goals can be achieved through targeted improvements to existing transportation corridors, particularly U.S. Highway 231, at a significantly lower financial and environmental cost. The road my family lives on in Martin County is nearly impassible. I am worried about damage to my car or having an accident every time I visit my elderly parents. The idea of a school bus driving on those roads is scary.
The proposed project would require substantial public investment while impacting farmland, forests, natural resources, and rural communities. Before moving forward with a new highway corridor, I encourage FHWA and INDOT to fully evaluate alternatives that maximize the use of existing infrastructure, preserve agricultural land, minimize environmental impacts, and provide taxpayers with the greatest return on investment.
I urge decision-makers to prioritize solutions that improve transportation efficiency and safety while protecting the character, natural resources, and economic sustainability of the region.
Thank you for considering my comments as part of the environmental review process.