The Republic
THE devil could indeed be in the details, but at first blush, Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposal for a 75-mile toll road starting from Interstate 69 northeast of Indianapolis and running south through six counties (including Johnson, Shelby and Morgan) has the markings of a breakthrough for Indiana into the 21st century economy.
While those counties through which the highway would pass are obvious beneficiaries, there should also be a tremendous spillover effect for neighboring counties such as Bartholomew and Decatur, which have already received great economic news in the past year.
Following the example set in his Major Works program Daniels has proposed that a private company would pay the state a concession fee in exchange for the right to build, maintain and operate the tollway.
While the amount of money the state would have to pump into this project is still to be determined, it would seem to be a no-lose investment, especially for the people of central and southern Indiana.
Columbus is likely to be at least 10 miles from the proposed Indiana Commerce Connector but even that distance is miniscule when considering that it will provide direct access to all the major traffic routes that radiate from Indianapolis - Interstates 69, 70 and 74.
It will also dramatically shorten travel times from Columbus to those interstates and ease the headaches caused by the congestion that now exists on Interstate 465, which now is the principal Marion County connector to the other interstates.
For those who have to travel to the north side of Indianapolis, it could be the long-awaited answer to the massive congestion strangling the area around Interstate 69.
Those are important considerations for businesses that make location decisions with a heavy emphasis on supply and shipping routes.
It will certainly give the local economic development commission some powerful ammunition in selling Columbus for business development.
Although the communities through which the Connector will pass should enjoy tremendous benefits, Columbus' proximity to it coupled with the city's other advantages will be powerful recruiting tools.
Some will argue that this form of economic development is the death knell for the rural environment of this part of the state.
The reality, of course, is that the bucolic vistas so many associate with Central and Southern Indiana have been in retreat for decades. There are some who might recall that U.S. 31 between Franklin and Greenwood was once a virtual sea of farmland, but that kind of landscape is today a distant memory.
With proper planning, some of that natural environment can be retained, but it is important to recognize this proposal as an important step forward in Indiana's future.