The following is an unedited press release from the office of Governor Mitch Daniels presented as a Web-only extra for the information of Tribune readers:

Governor’s Office Advisory

For Immediate Release

March 24, 2007 

INDIANAPOLIS (March 24, 2007) -- Governor Daniels today contacted Indiana House and Senate leadership as well as members of the Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Committee, the House Roads and Transportation Committee and legislators in the areas of the proposed Indiana Commerce Connector and Illiana Expressway to advise them that he is withdrawing his suggestion that action be taken on the Indiana Commerce Connector or the Illiana Expressway east of Interstate 65. The governor suggests moving forward on the Illiana concept west of Interstate 65. 

The text of the governor’s letter, dated today and sent to Senator Thomas Wyss, author of SB1 and chairman of the Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Committee, and Representative Terri Austin, chairwoman of the Roads and Transportation Committee and copied to the aforementioned groups, is below. An imaged copy of the letter to Senator Wyss (the letter to Rep. Austin is identical) is also attached. 

“Like you, I have been paying close attention to the vigorous public discussion around my proposal to explore new privately funded bypass roads in Northwest and Central Indiana.  After legislative action to date, some forty public meetings, and lots of other open debate, it is clear to me that we are far from the degree of consensus that is necessary before embarking on major public works projects of high local impact. 

Accordingly, I withdraw the suggestion that any action be taken on an Indiana Commerce Connector, or an Illiana Expressway east of I-65.  Either of these ideas might benefit from further research, and I would welcome some form of that if your committees are so inclined.  But the people of the affected areas have spoken clearly enough to persuade me that these ideas are, at best, premature. 

By contrast, an Illiana bypass from I-65 west seems to be broadly supported and can, I hope, be given the chance to move forward. 

I appreciate the citizenship of everyone who participated in these two debates.  We must never be afraid to venture new ideas for fear of controversy; a state that does that will surely stagnate.  But we must also never assume that every new idea is a good one, or imperative to act on immediately. 

I hope that you will reshape the legislation along the above lines, but am happy to work with you on whatever approach you deem best for the interests of our state.”

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Media contact: Jane Jankowski, 317/232-1622.