The Delta Grassroots Caucus (DGC) is a broad coalition of grassroots leaders in the eight-state Delta region. DGC is also a founding partner of the Economic Equality Caucus,
which advocates for economic equality across the USA.

Congressman Whitfield's Letter Supporting Interstate 69 Corridor Progress

Posted on December 30, 2009 at 02:44 PM

Progress on completing the entire Interstate 69 Corridor would be beneficial to many areas of the Greater Delta Region, as it passes through Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. We convey here Congressman Ed Whitfield’s (R-KY) letter late this year calling for people in western Kentucky and throughout the region and the country to work together in promoting progress on I-69.

Rep. Whitfield naturally supports the western Kentucky portion of I-69, but he emphasized its benefits to the entire Delta region and indeed the whole country’s transportation network, as indicated in this statement from his letter:

“I-69 is a critical trade route in the United States, bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in commerce to our country. Nationally, I-69 passes through over 150 counties and hundreds of cities, directly serving over 25 million people. When completed, I-69 will span the nation’s heartland, providing a direct route through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.” (our italics)

While Congressman Whitfield happens to be a Republican, this is a bipartisan initiative that Members of Congress and local leaders all across the Delta region ought to work together for progress on this vital national transportation artery. You will find several passages in his letter of use in your efforts to urge greater progress on I-69, and we welcome support of Republicans, Democrats, Independents and anyone supporting the Delta’s economic development.

There are many other Members of Congress in the region who are also supportive of I-69. This is just one example. We will continue to keep watch on this issue.

Also, thanks to Josh Tubbs, Marshall County economic development office in western Kentucky, for keeping us posted on Kentucky activities for I-69. Thanks very much and have a good holiday–Lee Powell, DGC (202) 360-6347

LETTER TO THE EDITORS IN WKY FROM CONGRESSMAN ED WHITFIELD:

CONTACT: KRISTIN WALKER; PHONE: (202) 225-3115; CELL: (202) 593-1549 November 17, 2009

Dear Editor,

As Kentuckians continue to reel from the economic downturn, it is essential we find ways to bolster local economies in the First Congressional District and bring new jobs to our area. We need to revitalize our economy by investing in infrastructure projects that provide immediate jobs and have a long lasting impact on our future economy. One thing here in western Kentucky that has brought, and will continue to bring, new business to our area is I-69. Unfortunately, in recent years, funding for this important highway has been significantly lacking.

This week I met with leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to discuss the importance of reauthorizing the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) and providing funding for Kentucky I-69 in the bill. It is high time I-69 here in Kentucky receives the state and federal dollars it needs to make important improvements and upgrades. Improvements to I-69 will not only create construction jobs, but entice new businesses to our area and help to turn our local economies around. While adequately funding I-69 will benefit the First District and Kentucky tremendously, it will also benefit struggling communities across the country.

I-69 is a critical trade route in the United States, bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in commerce to our country. Nationally, I-69 passes through over 150 counties and hundreds of cities, directly serving over 25 million people. When completed, I-69 will span the nation’s heartland, providing a direct route through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

The First Congressional District is home to a key portion of I-69 and reaps the economic benefits that come with it. The I-69 corridor passing through the First District will run from Indianapolis, Indiana to Houston, Texas and is expected to create 27,000 jobs, add $11 billion in wages, produce $19 billion in added value, and create an $11 billion transportation efficiency benefit.

As an active Member of the Congressional I-69 caucus, I have been pleased to work with the Federal Highway Administration and my colleagues in Congress to secure critical funds and designations for the highway over the years. Most recently, I have requested $644 million for I-69 in the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU. A temporary extension of this important transportation law was passed in September, so Congress is expected to take up this reauthorization in the coming months.

I will continue to do all that I can to ensure Congress passes this legislation as soon as possible and that I-69 receives the necessary federal dollars to make important improvements and upgrades. Too much is at stake to local economies in the First District – and across the country – to delay action any longer.

Sincerely,

U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield