Rose Blogs Her Anti-Illiana Position On Myspace

Myspace Rose from Valparaiso explains why she's against the Illiana Expressway Toll Road:

there are so many things wrong with the whole entire concept of building a new toll east of 65! it would be pointless to the general public.

all that would happen is the reopening of the proposal on the dump in boone grove!

i don't want a damn toll that would be pointless for me to us because i already have the means to get to chicago by the roads that already exist... they are called; I65, RT30, I80/94, RT130, RT49 and the current toll that ppl rarely use, 90. ...

next are the ppl who say that they would rather drive around chicago instead of through to avoid the traffic and this proposed toll road would help their problem. well... hum... how can i put this? you're an idiot.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

CAPIT Reports No April 4th Illiana Expressway Hearing

From the Citizens Against The Privatized Illiana Toll Road's Yahoo group:

When we receive important information from Indianapolis I like to confirm it with a second source, so sorry about the delay, but:

I just confirmed that Senate Bill 1 will NOT be heard by the House Transportation Committee and consequently, there will be no hearing April 4. Rather anti-climactic but good news regardless.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

Tully Critiques Governor's Illiana East Leg Defeat

Indy Star columnist Matt Tully critiques Gov. Mitch Daniels' Illiana (and Indiana Commerce Connector) defeats.

Even in defeat, don't think Daniels is crying. His office began calling allies to announce his decision Friday but released it to the media Saturday -- a move that guaranteed a big splash in the Sunday papers. A veteran of politics, Daniels knows how to bury news you want buried: Release it late on a Friday. He also knows Sunday papers are the best read.

Headlines across the state, essentially saying, "I heard you," don't hurt.

Plus, Daniels saved himself the headache and heartburn of more hearings, organized by Democrats and full of loud opposition to the toll roads.

If Daniels made the best of a losing situation, he deserves credit for doing it so gracefully. He didn't criticize opponents. He didn't question their motives. He took the high toll road.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

Casson's View: Rural Folks Stay Off Suburban Roads

Valparaiso's David Casson -- noted anti Iraq War advocate -- weighs in on the Illiana Expressway Toll Road debate with a letter to the Post-Tribune's editor in which he tells those opposed to highways to stay off of the suburban highways.

I can understand why those who live in the area of the proposed Illiana Expressway opposed it to safeguard their country lifestyle.

We who live north of them also enjoy our suburban lifestyle and wish to preserve it. It is the perfect balance between the rushed big-city life and the docile country life.

Therefore, we request that those who live in Old MacDonald Land please stay out of our area. ...

Please do not use our expressways or Toll Road, since they are so abhorrent to you. ...

Since you dislike our way of life in suburbia, please don't come up here and disrupt it.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

Does Mitch Daniels' New Illiana Plan Help His Reelection Chances?

Mark Kiesling at the Northwest Indiana Times thinks that Gov. Mitch Daniels' withdrawal of the east leg of the Illiana Expressway Toll Road might win him some Northwest Indiana votes in his reelection bid:

Would that have cost him the 2008 election? The Illiana would likely not. He doesn't pull huge votes out of Northwest Indiana anyway. ...

But in what could shape up to be a close race, by killing the eastern portion of the Illiana Daniels has made a couple thousand happy folks who will remember him as the guy who stood up for the little man.

"This is a great day for democracy," said Dave Ahlberg, head of Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road.

Daniels has won hearts and minds in the short run.

And that's all that counts when re-election is your Major Move.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

'We No Longer Want To Be The Silent Majority'

Pro Illiana Expressway Toll Road supporters plan an Indianapolis Statehouse lobbying effort to rival the anti Illiana effort planned by the Citizens Against The Privatized Illiana Toll Road, reports the Northwest Indiana Times.

Eighteen business groups ranging from the City of LaPorte to the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce signed on to the pro-Illiana lobbying effort this week, which will specifically target Northwest Indiana's delegation in the Indiana General Assembly.

"A project of this magnitude deserves its due diligence," said Vince Galbiati, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. "Legislators hearing directly from the business community is essential."

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

CAPIT Not Quiting Anti Illiana Fight

Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road will move their fight against the 10 mile stretch of highway proposed by Gov. Mitch Daniels for Lake County, Indiana now that the interstate won't extend east of I-65, writes Terri Ahlberg on the No Illiana Toll Road message board. (Free Yahoo registration required).

Our core members are going to continue to fight all of issues that we feel stongly about. Okay...so no one wanted to lose there home...thats what started this fight.

But in the 40 days or so that we have been organized the we have been doing research 7 days a week. We will not be divided, or be quiet.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Toll+Road Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Northwest+Indiana Highway Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads
CAPIT

Legislative Study For Illiana This Summer Or Fall?

The Indiana Democrats responded to Gov. Mitch Daniels' announcement that the Illiana Expressway Toll Road wouldn't extend east past I-65.

“You can only push people so far before they begin to see right through you,” (Democratic chairman Dan) Parker said. “Hoosiers have spoken, and Mitch Daniels knew House Democrats would listen to them. He had no choice but to take his unpopular proposals off the table.”

Things could still be on track for a Lake County Illiana Expressway, but it might be pushed back into Indiana House committee hearings.

Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer promised "legislative study" for "toll road proposals" in the summer or the fall, according to the Democrat's news release.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Toll+Road Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Northwest+Indiana Highway Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads

Are New Indiana Road Projects Insane?

The I-69 News Blog rejoices in the news that the Indiana Commerce Connector and news of scaled-back plans for the Illiana Expressway Toll Road:

We have to remember that this victory is due to the strength of our communities and our resistance - these horrific road plans were only withdrawn because of the willingness of people across Indiana to stand up and say no, and also, to begin organizing with others to resist.

As we take on and defeat insane road project after insane road project, it is also increasingly clear that we can take on and defeat I-69, especially since its been weakened by this news.

I wonder if both sides will ever be able to meet in the middle to address the transportation needs of Lake County, Indiana in such a way that makes everyone happy?

Something will have to be done as people continue to move into Lake County, Indiana.

Our neighboring name-sake county to the north -- Lake County, Illinois -- faced the issue of congested streets and roads not too long ago as people move out of the urban core into the suburbs:

Every Lake County (Illinois) motorist has experienced the frustration of getting caught in congestion.

Traffic gridlock is listed as the No. 1 concern facing Lake County (Illinois) residents in many surveys. And, with the county's population expected to continue to grow rapidly, those problems will only get worse.

If something isn't done, people in Lake County, Indiana will be complaining about the lack of foresight in traffic planning.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Interstate Indiana+Commerce+Connector Gov.+Mitch+Daniels Highway

CAPIT Vows To Continue Illiana Fight

Despite news that Gov. Mitch Daniels has decided to drop plans to build the Illiana Expressway Toll Road east of I-65, CAPIT vows to continue their fight, according Dave Ahlberg on the group's No Illiana Toll Road message board (free Yahoo membership required).

This is not good news for our friends in Lowell and other areas of Lake County. We cannot endorse this project for most, if not all of the reasons we objected to the eastern part of the Illiana Toll Road.

Any studies need to be an unbiased look at the transportation, economic, social, and environmental needs of the Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County areas. We are participating in a press conference next week with the Sierra Club and the Interfaith League, among others, in support of mass transit and urban re-development. We will continue with all of our plans until we are sure that the Illiana Toll Road is dead and buried.

If the Governor is being honest with us about public "discussion" changing his mind about proceeding with these projects, then congratulations and thanks to all of you who stepped up, you are making a difference!

We have not "won", no celebrations or congratulations please! We still have to continue to work hard to make sure we finish the job.

Dave

News of the Gov. Mitch Daniels' announcement that the Illiana won't be built east of I-65 means the Illiana Expressway Toll Road likely will be built.

There is less opposition to the plan in Lake County, Indiana because the road construction promises more union employment and economic development for an area of Indiana that often feels neglected by the rest of the state.

It will be interesting to see if the opponents to the Illiana Expressway Toll Road will be able to continue with the same intensity they've had during the past couple of weeks since many no longer have a personal stake in the legislation.

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Toll+Road+Expressway CAPIT SB1 Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Transportation Interstate Highway Northwest+Indiana

Gov. Daniels Drops Illiana Plan East Of I-65

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels drops plans to build the Illiana Expressway Toll Road east of I-65, reports Advance Indiana.

In a letter to lawmakers he withdrew the plan (to build the Indiana Commerce Connector), along with a proposal to build a new Illiana expressway east of I-65 in northwest Indiana, in response to overwhelming public opposition to it. Daniels is, however, continuing the push for an Illiana expressway west of I-65 linking northwest Indiana to Illinois.

The Indianapolis Star printed Gov. Daniels' letter to Indiana lawmakers:

“Like you, I have been paying close attention to the vigorous public discussion around my proposal to explore new privately funded bypass roads in Northwest and Central Indiana. After legislative action to date, some forty public meetings, and lots of other open debate, it is clear to me that we are far from the degree of consensus that is necessary before embarking on major public works projects of high local impact.

“Accordingly, I withdraw the suggestion that any action be taken on an Indiana Commerce Connector, or an Illiana Expressway east of I-65. Either of these ideas might benefit from further research, and I would welcome some form of that if your committees are so inclined. But the people of the affected areas have spoken clearly enough to persuade me that these ideas are, at best, premature.

“By contrast, an Illiana bypass from I-65 west seems to be broadly supported and can, I hope, be given the chance to move forward.

“I appreciate the citizenship of everyone who participated in these two debates. We must never be afraid to venture new ideas for fear of controversy; a state that does that will surely stagnate. But we must also never assume that every new idea is a good one, or imperative to act on immediately.

“I hope that you will reshape the legislation along the above lines, but am happy to work with you on whatever approach you deem best for the interests of our state.”

Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Toll+Road+Expressway CAPIT SB1 Indiana+Senate+Bill+1 Transportation Interstate Highway Northwest+Indiana

Would Not Studying Illiana Expressway Be Irresponsible?

INDOT's commissioner says Indiana would be irresponsible to not study building the proposed Illiana Expressway Toll Road and predicts that traffic on the Borman Expressway (Interstate 80 and I-94) will be jammed like it was late last century before improvements were recently completed.

Reports the AP via Construction Equipment Guide:

Indiana would be irresponsible if it didn’t at least look at whether there is a need for a proposed highway that would connect Interstate 94 in northwestern Indiana with Interstate 57 in Illinois, the state Department of Transportation commissioner said Feb.7 .

Karl Browning said if the state doesn’t take a close look now at building the Illiana Expressway to try to relieve traffic in northwest Indiana, the Borman Expressway (Interstate 80/94) likely will have the same traffic tie-ups in a decade that it faced before undergoing recent improvements.

Tech Tags: Illiana, Illiana+Toll+Road+Expressway, CAPIT, SB1, Indiana+Senate+Bill+1, Transportation, Interstate, Highway, Northwest+Indiana

Will Hobart & Merrillville Businesses Suffer If Illiana Is Built?

While the economic benefits of the Illiana Expressway Toll Road are touted by supporters, naysayers predict declines in businesses currently located in the vicinity of I-65 and U.S. 30:

From the CAPIT No Illiana Toll Road message board (free Yahoo membership required):

Look what happened to Gary after I-65 was built in the late 60's--everything moved to I-65 and Rt. 30. ...

A local engineering company, long time NIRPC meeting attendee on the pro road side told me the US 30 and I-65 development would eventually move down to the Illiana after a NIRPC meeting recently.

Hobart and Merrillville should wake up before this becomes their fate. Portage, Michigan City, and other communities aren't safe from disinvestment either. ...

Would the Illiana Toll Road Expressway cause divestment from the I-65 / U.S. 30 areas?

It's a good question because everyone in Lake County supports strengthening the economy in all parts of the county. The key question for Lake County residents and leaders is whether the Illiana Expressway Toll Road can bring more economic development that benefits the whole county, without harming the northern areas.

Would the fact that the Illiana Expressway would be a toll road mitigate the risk by encouraging motorists to stay on the highway until they reached their desired destinations -- whether they are arriving home in Northwest Indiana from their job in Illinois, driving a truck delivering goods to a distribution center, or passing through on their way to New York from California or Toronto to Memphis?

Tech Tags: Illiana, Illiana+Toll+Road+Expressway, CAPIT, SB1, Indiana+Senate+Bill+1, Transportation, Interstate, Highway, Northwest+Indiana

A CAPIT Westville Meeting Report

George Malis from CAPIT's No Illiana Toll Road message board (free Yahoo subscription req'd) reports about the anti-Illiana meeting earlier this week in Westville:

Many boxes of letters got mailed to legislators
as a result of the organized campaign.

Hundreds of petitions were signed and turned in.

Lots of t-shirts and yard signs were sold.

Citizens donated hard earned cash to help hold
the Governor to his word of NOT pursuing the Illiana
proposal if it's NOT wanted.

The citizens at the Westville meeting spoke loud
and clear regarding the proposed toll road:
WE DON'T WANT IT,
WE DON'T NEED IT,
WE WON'T USE IT.

The message was also heard 1st hand by
the Mayor of LaPorte and the LaPorte State Rep.
Emotions ran high and expressions of
elected officials "lack of representation"
spoken.

Tech Tags: Illiana, Illiana+Toll+Road+Expressway, CAPIT, SB1, Indiana+Senate+Bill+1, Transportation, Interstate, Highway, Northwest+Indiana

Illiana Toll Road Debate Time

The debate surrounding the proposed Illiana Toll Road has generated much discussion in the local media and throughout the Internet.

In Favor of the Illiana Toll Road:

The proponents of the Illiana Toll Road tout its economic development prospects. Building the road will create many high paying union jobs, as well as spur new business development along the route. The Illiana Expressway would alleviate traffic problems on the Borman Expressway by allowing cross-country trucks to avoid that often congested highway.

“This project would dramatically improve the economy of Northwest Indiana by increasing the quantity and quality of our region’s transportation network and improve the quality of life in the region by reducing the congestion on the Borman Expressway," said Construction Advancement Foundation Executive Director Dewey Pearman.

"The Illiana would improve the economy of the region in two significant ways—creation of thousands of high-paying jobs and creation of wealth in the region.”

Opposed to the Illiana Toll Road:

The opponents of building the Illiana Toll Road predict dire consequences for their way of life, the environment, and ask if there is really demand for another east-west route connecting Indiana to Illinois. Building the Illiana Expressway would cause further declines in North Lake County cities, Illiana opponents say, because it would encourage people to move further south.

"Progress to the people in this room is to live in a community where they have 20 to 25 kids in the classroom. Progress is having their children in 4-H and Cub Scouts and having rural ties," said Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper, an Illiana Expressway opponent at a meeting of Illiana opponents.

Who is right?

Sound off and leave a polite comment that will enlighten and pursuade.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Illiana Gets Construction Advancement Foundation Support

The Construction Advancement Foundation throws it support for construction of the Illiana Toll Road, reports the Chesterton Tribune, saying the Illiana Expressway interstate highway project would "create 'thousands of high-paying jobs,' improve 'the quality of life for residents of the region,' generate 'wealth,' and cost taxpayers 'nothing.'"

“It is an indisputable fact of regional economies that as access to better transportation systems improves the region’s economy prospers,” said Construction Advancement Foundation) Executive Director Dewey Pearman in a
statement released on Friday.

“This project would dramatically improve the economy of Northwest Indiana by increasing the quantity and quality of our region’s transportation network and improve the quality of life in the region by reducing the congestion on the Borman Expressway. The Illiana would improve the economy of the region in two significant ways—creation of thousands of high-paying jobs and creation of wealth in the region.”

The construction group said that a mile of interstate highway costs about $20 million to construct in Northwest Indiana and would create 800 jobs.

Says Pearman:

“National data (indicate) that 40 jobs will be created for every one million dollars spent on highway construction. The job creation math for this project is simple.

With 800 jobs being created for every mile of highway construction, a 40-mile stretch of new interstate highway running through Northwest Indiana would create 32,000 jobs. Since the exact route of the Illiana has not been determined, and will not be determined until after a comprehensive study is completed, the highway could stretch to 50 miles, creating 40,000 jobs.”

The construction group estimates that Northwest Indiana trades people earn between $27 per hour to $39 per hour with benefits packages of $10 per hour to $15 per hour, reports the Chesterton Tribune.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction

Illiana Expressway / Toll Road Announcement

From IN.GOV:

INDIANAPOLIS (December 12, 2006) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced today the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) have signed an agreement to study potential locations for a new interstate-quality highway connecting I-57 in Illinois to I-94 in Indiana. The proposed highway, known as the Illiana Expressway, would be publicly owned but built with private funds, not tax dollars, and operated under contract as a toll road. The highway would help relieve increasing traffic congestion in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area.

"The Illiana Expressway would stimulate jobs all along its route, and help both the economy and quality of life throughout Chicagoland by alleviating congestion. The possibilities for intermodal distribution alone are enormous," said Daniels.

After selecting an engineering firm for the project, engineers will perform a full-scale environmental impact analysis and identify a final highway alignment.
The bi-state study, estimated to cost between $5 million and $10 million, is expected to take no more than three years to complete. INDOT will be the lead agency, and the two states will share the cost of the study. State and federal approval are needed before construction could begin.

Addressing the movement of freight will be a significant factor in the study. Rail yards in the Chicagoland area feed a large number of trucks using the current highway system. In Indiana, the Borman Expressway (I-80/94) is the
state's second busiest highway and half of the traffic is semi-trucks. The new highway would address these traffic issues:

• The current expansion of the Borman Expressway is the last because there is
  no additional land available. This expansion is expected to handle traffic
  growth for about 15 years.
  
• The number of trucks that use the Borman each is expected to increase by 50 percent in the next 20 years. Right now, there are 28,000 per day.
  
• 300,000 vehicles travel between Indiana and Chicago each day on the Borman, US 6, US 30, the Indiana Toll Road and local streets.
  
• The metropolitan planning organization for Northwest Indiana estimates that the Illiana Expressway would reduce truck traffic on US 30 by 59 percent and on the Borman, by 22 percent.
  

The costs of congestion are considerable. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, wasted fuel and time delays cost each traveler in the Chicago area nearly $1,000 annually. A national study, conducted in 2005 by the Federal Highway Administration, found delays due to congestion cost the trucking industry and its customers a minimum of $32 an hour, or some $8 billion annually.

The highway would be approximately 63 miles, with 50 of that in Indiana. Truck-only lanes will be evaluated along with the latest technology to facilitate the efficient movement of traffic and freight.

A map of the proposed study area may be found at this link.

Tech Tags: Transportation Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Toll+Road Illiana+Legislation Highway Interstate Road+Construction