Illiana Expressway debate stirring a 'lot of emotion'

Along the proposed route of the Illiana Expressway, public opinion can change as much as the scenery.

But you'll also come upon vocal supporters of the plan, some of whom could financially benefit from the road.

And some people along the proposed route don't know much about either side of the issue.

Still, the opposition comes on multiple fronts.

"We've lived all these years without it, why now?" asks Westville resident Ron Albert. "What about air pollution? We have enough on 80/94. Why bring it over here?"

People are concerned that claiming land for a private company that would build and operate the road isn't a legitimate use of eminent domain.

They worry that the expressway will increase traffic and, by extension, pollution levels.

Most of all, they think the promised economic development isn't attractive enough to warrant altering the rural character of much of the region.

Tia Wilks likes the rolling fields of Porter County and the peace and quiet it affords residents. Wilks said the promise of economic development rings hollow for her, since businesses don't tend to flock to toll roads.

Privatized road debate

Albert has lived in LaPorte County for nearly 50 years and is proud of the house he has paid for just outside of Westville. But he worries what will happen to it since the study area envelopes his property.

Albert wonders whether the state can claim land under eminent domain for a privately funded project.

"A lot of people don't like this proposal," Albert said. "Why do politicians want to give our country away?"

A Supreme Court decision upheld the right to claim private property if it's for a public purpose, such as roads.

The proposed Illiana Expressway would stretch 63 miles from Interstate 57 in Illinois and proceed northeast until it links with Interstate 94 at U.S. 421. The bill that would fund a feasibility study passed the state Senate; it will likely see the House floor this month.

Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan for the Illiana Expressway would have a private company pay to build and operate the road.

An opposition group -- Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Tollroad -- formed shortly after the plan was announced and its members vowed to stop the passage of the bill.

Jake DeHaven was paying for gas at the Westville Truck Stop on U.S. 421 on his way back to Walkerton, in Marshall County, southeast of LaPorte. He is excited about the plan because it would be a boon for his industry.

"I can't wait until it's done because I'm in the road construction business. We construct bridges," DeHaven said.

He said the plan for a private company to manage the project is a good one.

"I used to work for the state and anything private industry can do is usually 10 times cheaper and quicker than government," DeHaven said.

Toll road blues

Tim Helm was on his way back to his home base of Minneapolis, Minn., when he stopped for gas at the Flying J Truck Stop in Lowell. He seemed incredulous that state planners think the route will be convenient for truckers.

"I'd never take it because it just starts in such an odd spot," Helm said. "It all costs an arm and a leg. I think they should make it free for truckers. We haul your stuff."

Helm said the Indiana Toll Road is an increasingly costly trip as its new owner has raised rates a couple of times since taking over.

The Illiana Expressway is characterized by state and local officials as an ideal alternative to the Borman Expressway. But several haulers at the Flying J Truck Stop in Lowell are skeptical that the Illiana Expressway is an effective route.

Trucker Jay Ledman wouldn't have much use for the Illiana Expressway. The Richland Center, Wis., resident sticks with Interstates 65 and 80 on his routes.

"I go on 80 from Chicago to (Ohio) to Pennsylvania because that's the road you take and there's no scales," Ledman said. "I would rather pay a toll than scales."

Supporters of the project say it would serve not only truck traffic but also the planned Peotone airport in the south suburbs.

Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce President Tim Bietry said the debate on the road is somewhat clouded at the moment.

"It seems like there's a lot of emotion on both sides. We just want the study," Bietry said. "We think it's critical for us, and we're especially interested in a possible intermodal facility in LaPorte County."

Intermodal facilities serve as hubs for railroad and truck shipments.

General Manager of Lake County Co-op Kenneth Koenig was enjoying conversation and coffee with a friend on Monday morning. He said the topic of the expressway had come up on occasion.

Koenig said traffic is already a concern on roads such as Indiana 2.

"The question is how much farm land would be used," Koenig said. "I live in Starke County and it's not very popular out our way."

While making change for a customer, Casey's cashier Carrie Virgin echoed that sentiment.

"I haven't heard anything positive. I think people are just concerned with the traffic," Virgin said.

Westville resident Edward Miller has heard all the arguments as a regular at Old Time Foods grocery. He thinks the expressway might be more convenient for residents destined for Chicago's south suburbs.

"It would be a lot easier from a driving standpoint," Miller said. "I could avoid all this mess over there (Borman)."

Saving farmland

Tia Wilks leaned against the counter at her store as she explained her beef with the Illiana Expressway. She has a 'No Illiana' sign posted in front of her business, Jake's Feed and Garden, and her home in Morgan Township.

"I'm very emotional about this issue," Wilks said. "I try and look at this from the perspective of farmers who've had land in their families for four generations."

Wilks spreads news on the road via phone calls, a petition on her counter and fliers on the bulletin board. Still, she worries that some people are not aware of the plan.

"I talked to a woman with 400 acres and she didn't even know about it," Wilks said. "Another thing they're not considering is how this could split farms down the middle."

Many residents see the toll road as a slippery slope that would lead to urban sprawl, and increased taxes and crime.

Phil Bigelow values the calm of his home in unincorporated Lake County, west of Lowell.

"I wouldn't want it," Bigelow said. "I'm from the east coast and everything is a toll road out there."

The matter is now in the hands of the General Assembly, which doesn't inspire confidence in area residents.

Larry Hill chatted from the window of his pickup truck in front of his 31/2 acre farm in Morgan Township. Despite vocal opposition, Hill views the Illiana Expressway as inevitable.

"If they want to put a toll road out here, there's not much you can do about it," Hill said. "It's all about who has the most money."