• Proponents of the ICC state they only want to see a feasibility study performed at this juncture, and then be permitted to decide later on if the ICC should proceed. Indeed, the Senate bill as ammended sets up a small legislative committee to oversee the feasibility process. However, it appears the committee's recommendation to the Governor/INDOT would be non-binding. Given his publicly stated intentions to not back down from the project, it is unlikely the Governor would ever change his mind even in the face of a legislative recommendation not to proceed. Unless amended or defeated in the House in early March, the tolling authority is transferred and the Governor will have the final decision.

   

• Central Indiana's prime soils are vital to the State's push for biofuels, as well as existing demands for food and feed purposes domestically and around the world. Between 1978 and 1992 Indiana lost 1.2 million acres of farmland, which amounts to almost 89,000 acres per year. (Hoosier Farmland Preservation Task Force - Final Report. 1/1/1999).  Between 1997 and 2002 farmland in Indiana decreased by 466,484 acres, or about 93,300 acres/ 145square miles annually (U.S.D.A., 2002 Census of Agriculture). In other words, every four years more than the average sized county's worth of farm land is converted to non-agricultural uses in this State.

   

• The initial taking of productive agricultural acreage for the ICC is substantial by itself (estimating 50 acres to the mile of highway, and perhaps more), but will pale in comparison to the loss of additional agricultural ground that could occur by the explosion of growth directly caused by the ICC through the development of warehouses, motels, restaurants, etc.  There seems to be a notion that Indiana should be a distribution powerhouse.  Warehouses and their surrounding lands consume incredible amounts of acreage.

   

  • Eminent domain will be used to take the property of citizens for the ICC public-private partnership. This would set a dangerous precedent for the future taking of property under the guise of economic development, but which is really intended to benefit private entities.  Would the private firm which lands the long term lease be able to take additional property to sublet out to a concession to operate restaurants, truck stops, even retail establishments?

   

  • The affected counties already all have at least one "interstate-quality" highway serving them. This is more than enough to serve their needs for moderate economic growth without leading to too much growth too quickly, which would overburden the local taxpayers, schools, infrastructure, etc.  Any growth that would occur would not likely be of the variety that provides many high-paying jobs, but would be warehouse jobs, etc.

   

  • A limited access tollway would cut off many local roads, increasing the length of school bus routes and emergency response times.  For the few overpasses that would be built, who would pay for these?  Counties will no doubt face increased expenses in the form of paying for frontage roads and the like.

    Time is running out! Please contact Governor Daniels, State Representatives, and elected officials regarding SB 1 as soon as possible! 

    • Please contact the Governor and share your thoughts about the ICC by mail at:

      Office of the Governor

      Statehouse

      Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2797

       

      or at this link:

      http://www.in.gov/gov/contact/index.html

       

      Please contact your state legislators and share your thoughts about the ICC at this link:

      http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl

       

      Please contact members of the Roads and Transportation committee:

      http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2007&request=getCommittee&committee_name=Roads+and+Transportation&chamber=H

       

       

      Contact info for INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation):

      Mr. Lyle Sadler

      100 N. Senate Ave. N. 751

      Indianapolis, IN 46204