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Hank Menke, president of the Interstate 67 Development Corporation, hailed I-67 as the "biggest economic engine that will drive future growth in the region."
Menkein made the remarks to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster business crowd Thursday morning at the Owensboro Christian Church community room.

Menke was talking about the push to link several U.S. roadways and create a new interstate extending from I-69 in Washington, Ind. via U.S. 231, and through Owensboro using the new bypass extension and U.S. 60. It would meet the William H. Natcher Parkway and continue to Bowling Green, connecting with I-65.
The 38-mile, southern Indiana/central Kentucky stretch of I-67 would leverage several recently completed transportation investments — namely the I-69 corridor in southern Indiana, the new Owensboro bypass extension and the Natcher bridge — by bringing traffic into the new highways from other parts of southwest Indiana and western Kentucky.

Another major plus, he said is that the I-67 link would provide an alternate and less congested route from Nashville to Indianapolis — avoiding the busy I-65 path through Louisville.
The entire project will require two major sections of new construction — 38 miles of U.S. 231 from I-64 to I-69 in Dubois and Daviess counties in Indiana, and 40 miles from Manton, Mich., to I-75.
Menke, who is president and CEO of OFS Brands, a Huntingburg-based furniture manufacturer, said when he became engaged in the project, he saw so many people "trying to create jobs and do everyday things" to grow the economy.

"We don't ask for much, but this time, we need help" from elected officials at the state and federal levels, he said. "All I know is this: any time you have an interstate sign connected to your community, things happen."

The I-67 corridor already is a priority for the city of Owensboro, Daviess Fiscal Court, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. and Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. These groups have pledged to work with Menke's group, as well as leaders in Spencer, Dubois and Daviess counties in Indiana.

Menke and other officials continue to point out that interstate access is in the top three factors for industries looking for locations — along with labor force and schools.
Menke admits the I-67 corridor is a long-term plan.

"This can make a huge difference. I'm trying to make a difference for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren," he said. "The big picture is infrastructure. I'm on a big-time mission, and I need everybody writing or emailing your congressmen for help."

The 250 or so business leaders at the meeting included a number of elected officials from the region. In addition to Daviess Judge-Executive Al Mattingly, Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne and several commissioners, Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston and Hartford Mayor Charlotte Hendricks also attended the session.

"This would help us in recruitment. It goes over the area in our industrial park," Johnston said after the meeting. "And the road itself is already there. It's just a matter of linking it."
Hendricks said the interstate connection would give greater attention to part of the area's prime development at the Hartford exit off the Natcher Parkway.

Both said they plan to lobby their congressmen to support the project.

Joy Campbell, Messenger-Inquirer