Daniels withdraws support of extending Illiana Expressway east of I-65

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch Daniels today announced that he is withdrawing his suggestion to extend the Illiana Expressway east of Interstate 65.

Daniels issued the following statement to Indiana House and Senate leadership: "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 40 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," he said in a statement.

"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," he added.

The governor suggests moving forward on the Illiana concept west of Interstate 65.