A group of environmentalists, urban activists and rural opponents of the Illiana Expressway called for a comprehensive study of urban sprawl as a way around building the proposed private road.
Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Tollroad, the Interfaith Federation, Save the Dunes Council and the Duneland Sierra Club announced Thursday at the Adam Benjamin Metro Center in Gary that they have formed a coalition to combat plans by Gov. Mitch Daniels to study the creation of a private tollway from LaPorte County, across the southern parts of Porter and Lake counties, into Illinois.
The group wants the state to drop plans to spend $2 million to $4 million on a study of the proposed private road in favor of a comprehensive study of ways to control suburban sprawl in Northwest Indiana.
A bill passed the Senate that would give the governor the ability to launch a public-private partnership for the Illiana and a separate tollway around Indianapolis. It awaits action in the House.
"We need a much larger look at these issues," said Dave Ahlberg, president of CAPIT.
The group wanted a study to look at ways of revitalizing the urban communities in northern Lake County and to lessen congestion with mass transit, rather than building a new highway.
"There is a definite need for more funding for public transportation," said the Rev. Asher Harris, president of the Interfaith Council.
He called the coming together of the mixed group of activists a "powerful voice" to change the debate over the highway.
Citing vocal opposition, Daniels last week pulled back on his support for looping the proposed highway through southern Porter County and LaPorte and building a new private highway around Indianapolis. The governor is still lobbying for a shorter route, from Interstate 65 into Illinois.
Caught off guard by the proposal in December, opponents are still focused on stopping the Senate bill this year. Rather than change the bill, they would rather come back next year with an outline for a study, Ahlberg said.