Stop I-66 Project From Routing Through Southern Illinois Resource Areas
Dear Secretary Martin
I am writing to let you know that I oppose the IDOT proposal to route the new I-66 through Southern Illinois. Any new major highway through southernmost Illinois would be detrimental to the greatest assets of the area -- the abundance of natural areas, beautiful scenery, and recreational opportunities. The significant financial cost of this project also is unwarranted.
A large percentage of the preserved natural areas in Illinois are located in the area of the proposed I-66 project. Many of these areas are lakes, rivers or wetlands which are very sensitive to sediment and pollution from highway construction and traffic. In addition, some of the last areas of large continuous canopy forest are located in Southern Illinois counties, providing much of the last remaining habitat for interior forest species.
Also, the funds in the state transportation budget cannot be stretched to build all of the presently approved highway proposals plus the repairs for existing roadways.
Thus, I hope you will determine that the damage to valuable natural areas, the detriment to tourism and the strain on Illinois' financial resources outweigh any doubtful benefits of routing I-66 through Southern Illinois.
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