Governor Eric Holcomb has announced three major infrastructure projects in southern Indiana. The state plans to invest $475 million for what Holcomb’s office calls “transformational” projects that include the construction of Indiana’s approach to the I-69 Ohio River Crossing near Evansville, major improvements to U.S. 231 in Dubois and Martin counties, and an extension of State Road 101 to the Ohio River in the southeastern part of the state. Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness says the projects are part of an effort to maintain the state’s recognized business climate.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, McGuinness said in addition to improving safety, the projects will create wide-ranging economic benefits down the road, particularly with the SR 101 project.
“We are looking at…what is that return on investment?” said McGuinness. “Obviously, safety is our number one goal and responsibility, but what is the long-term return on that investment? So, if we’re investing millions of dollars into these projects, where do we see that there’s some long-term growth going to be within our local economy and [we] see some opportunities really within that southeast region of the state.”