KY I-69 Designation Cruises Through Congress | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

KY I-69 Designation Cruises Through Congress April 30, 2008 WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield won a long-fought battle today securing passage of legislation which officially designates the Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway and the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway as Interstate 69.

"I-69 is a critical trade route in the United States bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in commerce to our country," Whitfield said. "With this designation, the First Congressional District will officially become home to a key portion of I-69 and reap the economic benefits that come with it."

The House passed H.R. 1195, a bill which amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, also known as SAFETEA-LU. The bill designates portions of the Pennyrile Parkway and the Western Kentucky Parkway as I-69. The newly designated interstate will run from Henderson to Madisonville on the Pennyrile Parkway and from Madisonville to Eddyville on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

"As mayor of the City of Madisonville, I am pleased that Congressman Whitfield has been able to secure this important designation," Madisonville City Mayor Will Cox said. "I-69 will bring new jobs and opportunities to the City of Madisonville and to all of Western Kentucky by making our region a critical passageway for commerce nationwide. I was pleased to work with Congressman Whitfield to secure this designation, and I applaud his efforts."

In 2002, Whitfield secured the designation of I-69 from Eddyville to the Tennessee state line utilizing I-24 and the Julian M. Carroll (Purchase) Parkway. Today's designation of the northern portion of I-69 will complete the interstate through the entire Commonwealth, creating an important access route from Indiana to Tennessee.

As an active Member of the Congressional I-69 caucus, Whitfield has worked to develop the interstate and secure funds to make it a reality. Nationally, I-69 passes through over 150 counties and hundreds of cities, directly serving over 25 million people. When completed, I-69 will span the nation's heartland, providing a direct route through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The I-69 corridor passing through the First District will run from Indianapolis, Indiana to Houston, Texas and is expected to create 27,000 jobs, add $11 billion in wages, produce $19 billion in added value, and create an $11 billion transportation efficiency benefit.

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