I-69 Summit to Connect Local, National, International Leaders
The president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce says Friday’s I-69 Regional Summit in Indianapolis is an opportunity to keep stakeholders at the local, national and international levels "rowing in the same direction." Kevin Brinegar says the event will also help Hoosier communities improve their visibility and spotlight the economic potential of the corridor. The event includes breakout sessions focused on marketing strategies, the U.S./Canada connection and zoning and tax credits.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Brinegar says continued expansion of the road throughout the state is important for the Indiana economy. "We’ve already seen economic development spur up along the I-69 route that is open now from Evansville all the way up to Bloomington and we think that will be even more so." Brinegar adds "as part of this larger I-69 corridor from Canada all the way down to Mexico and having all of those components completed across the different states along the overall route will be great for our exports and for trade, and particularly for a manufacturing-intensive state such as Indiana."
An expansion of the road from Evansville to Indianapolis continues. The first four sections are complete, Section 5 from Bloomington to Martinsville is underway and Section 6 that would run from Martinsville to Indianapolis is still in late planning stages. Organizers say the event will provide an updated timeline on the current expansion and the Trump administration’s national infrastructure funding plans. Plans are also in the early phases for a new bridge in Evansville that would take I-69 over the Ohio River and across the Kentucky line.
Speakers set to appear at the event at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis include Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-8), Consul General of Canada in Detroit Douglas George, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Transportation Infrastructure Ed Mortimer and Hoosier leaders from along the corridor. You can connect to more about the summit by clicking here.