Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations

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LETTER: December 4, 2003

Greg Dixon is a member of the South West Perry Civic Association

To the Editor:

After reading James G. Newland’s article, “Indiana’s Mr. I-69,” I wiped the tears from my eyes and my perspective became much clearer.  His attempt to sell us the 1.8 billion dollar I-69 project on the memories of someone deceased was amateur and immature.

The truth is, wherever the I-69 highway is to be built, the decision must be based on fact and not emotion.

What are the facts of the O’Bannon 3c, State Road 37 Route proposal compared to the I-70/U.S. 41 Route proposal?

Fact No. 1: A cost of 1.8 billion paid by the taxpayer compared to $925,000,000.00.

Fact No. 2: A cost of $2,910,000.00 per year to operate compared to $290,000.00

Fact No. 3: The Southwest side of Perry Township will be landlocked prohibiting economic growth and immediate fire protection to business and homeowners.

Fact No. 4: From I-465 to Bluff Road along State Road 37 traffic will increase 4.4 times the current levels and be eight lanes wide.

Fact No. 5: The State Road 37 route will take 38 percent more homes, 2.9 times more farm land, 8.6 times more acres of forest and 3.6 times more acres of wetlands.

Fact No. 6: It will cost twice as much to build and 10 times as much to maintain.

Lastly, my question to Mr. Newland is this. Since Indiana already leads the nation in existing interstate miles, why are we not rich already?

Attention all Hoosiers! Dry your eyes, hold on to your wallets and get involved to stop this boondoggle INDOT project.

Greg A. Dixon, member
SW Perry Civic Association