(Washington, D.C.) – Representative Larry Bucshon (IN-08) joined five of his colleagues today in launching the bipartisan Interstate 69 Congressional Caucus to raise awareness of the strategic importance of I-69 as a freight corridor. Bucshon will serve as a co-chair of this caucus with Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Blake Farenthold (TX-27), and Bennie Thompson (MS-02).
Specifically, the caucus’ mission is to advance the development of I-69, and to enhance the regional mobility, and the safety of the traveling public.
“Completing Interstate 69 is an important step to improve multi-modal freight movements across the United States,†said Bucshon. “In my home state of Indiana, I-69 presents a tremendous opportunity to move people and products more efficiently and is vital for the economy of Southern Indiana. I hope that we can accelerate I-69 projects, like the bridge between Evansville, IN and Henderson, KY, across the country. I’m happy to join my colleagues and lead this caucus to educate the House on the importance of this project as we move forward with transportation planning.â€
“As Texas’ economy continues to grow, so does the need for modern transportation infrastructure to move freight,†said Farenthold. “Goods moving through our ports, and the manufacturing items supporting the Eagle Ford shale boom need a more direct freight network, and that’s what this caucus is advocating for. I-69 links major commercial centers in the southern most states to the rest of the U.S. and Canada, and we’re working to ensure that it continues to be recognized as strategic and important. We are looking for a way to get this done in a financially responsible manner that respects private property rights.â€
“With each overpass and every additional mile of I-69 upgrades, Texas will be able to create new jobs through trade and freight, and connect our communities in a way they have never been before,†said Cuellar. “Laredo alone sees 1.8 million truck crossings a year, and the communities from Hidalgo to Laredo support trade throughout our entire county. I-69 will clear up road congestion, improve highway safety, and generate economic growth throughout South Texas.â€
“I-69 is a critical route in the United States, bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in commerce to our country,†said Whitfield. “I am pleased to join Congressman Farenthold to co-chair this caucus and to serve as an advocate for the economic benefits resulting from a completed I-69.â€
“With great companies like FedEx and a prime location in the Mid-South, Memphis is already one of the nation’s busiest freight transportation hubs,†said Cohen. “The completion of I-69 will add yet another transportation link to and from Memphis, create good-paying jobs and economic growth in our community, and help ease traffic congestion in our region.â€
“I am pleased to join my colleagues in launching a caucus that helps to strategically create jobs, develop infrastructure and improve transportation of goods for Mississippians and citizens across the country,†said Thompson. “The I-69 corridor adds efficiency to our freight system, promotes economic growth throughout the country and will serve millions of Americans.â€
The I-69 corridor is currently designated by Congress as a combination of two high priority corridors and stretches from Port Huron, Michigan through the heartland to Texas at Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville. It serves over 23 million people, traversing over 111 counties and hundreds of municipalities. To date, more than 530 miles of the interstate are complete.
The Barbecuers for Charity will host a benefit on Saturday, October 19th, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Jimtown Bar, located at 502 North Gavin Street in Evansville. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Mary’s Center for Children Autism Program.
