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WASHINGTON, D.C –August 1, 2007 – The United States House of Representatives approved a provision to designate the Audubon and Natcher Parkways in western Kentucky as future interstate spurs, U.S. Representative Ron Lewis announced Wednesday. The measure was added to the Conference Report on SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2007 (H.R. 3248).
“This designation provides an important opportunity for Daviess County and surrounding communities to attract new industries and enhance future economic growth,” said Lewis. “Improved access to Interstate highways would compliment existing rail, runway and river infrastructure, making the region an ideal intermodal hub.”
Though it is the third largest city in Kentucky, Owensboro currently lacks direct interstate access. Local elected officials and business leaders partnered to request the designation the Audubon Parkway as a spur to the future north-south Interstate 69 and the Natcher Parkway as a spur to the future east-west Interstate 66.
The House-passed bill lists the designations as future Interstate Spurs, allowing the state transportation authorities to erect signage identifying the routes. While construction would not begin on either spur until connecting interstates are completed, designation and signage will allow the community to take advantage of associated economic development opportunities.
"Owensboro and Western Kentucky have Congressman Lewis to thank for this outstanding news," said Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President Jody Wassmer. "The Chamber has championed this issue for three years and the ability to say we will have two Interstates leading to Owensboro has terrific economic development ramifications."
The Conference Report on the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act will now be considered in the U.S. Senate before being sent to the President to be signed into law.
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