01.31.08

Statement of Economic Development Priority
Greg Goode (R-IN), Candidate for Congress
Thursday, January 31, 2008 – 2:30 pm
Evansville, Indiana

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to this press conference this afternoon.

I want to thank my friends, Randy and Nina Lientz, the owners of AXIOM Marketing & Advertising, for allowing us to utilize this conference room.  AXIOM is an example of how small businesses represent the driving force of the United States economy.  Randy and Nina, and their employees work very hard, and their success lends to the overall success of Evansville and the Southern Indiana region.

And speaking of the success of Evansville, of Southern Indiana, and indeed the entire state, I believe there exists no more important governmental tool for economic development than forward thinking transportation systems and infrastructure.

The Federal government cannot be the only solution for the challenges that face communities, and as a fiscal conservative, I believe in taking every effort to lower taxes and reduce spending.

Having said this, I also see our great state continue to lag behind other states in the amount of Federal funding we receive for high priority transportation and infrastructure projects.  In fact, Indiana is referred as a donor state because for every dollar Hoosiers pay at the gasoline pump, our state receives no more than 92 cents in return.  I believe this wrong.

Ten years ago, I worked for former Congressman Ed Pease (R-IN) who served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for two terms.  We worked hard together in looking out for the interests of the communities in our district and state.  Today, I am announcing my desire and goal to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Currently, no member of the Indiana Congressional Delegation serves on this important committee, and the timing of this could not be worse with regard to the most important economic development tool for Southern Indiana, I-69.

Today, I am also announcing that from this day forward throughout the course of the 2008 Congressional campaign for this district, I will make the timely completion of I-69 a priority among the many topics of discussion between me and my opponent.

I have spent a great deal of time in Evansville meeting with local leaders, with individuals of all ages, people from the private and public sectors, and families looking out for the future.  There exists a resounding call for a Federal commitment to I-69.

Each year the Federal government funds high priority transportation and infrastructure projects across the country.  In 2007, approximately $40 billion in federal funding was available for transportation projects. 

While I cannot do anything about the past, I am focused on the future and am committing myself to the cause of the timely construction of I-69 and to increase the financial return to our state in overall transportation funding.

Because of the good work of Major Moves, approximately $700 million has been dedicated to begin the I-69 project here in Evansville.  I am told that it will cost at least another $1.3 billion to actually complete the I-69 corridor that will eventually connect Evansville to Indianapolis.

I would respectfully submit to you that what we need in Indiana, and clearly in the 8^th Congressional District is a member of Congress who:

• Serves on the House transportation committee
• Makes I-69 THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY for economic development
• Works with INDOT as well as local and county leaders of both political parties to secure more funding for the communities of our state

Moreover, I-69 is absolutely critical in our efforts to continue to position the CRANE Naval Surface Warfare Center as a leader for the national security interests of this country and the economic development of this state and region.

In conclusion, I wish to be the champion for I-69 in the United States Congress, and upon election, I will not rest until I have helped find every Federal dollar that can be found to build upon the work started by Major Moves.

I will not rest until the people of this county and district can look with satisfaction at a completed Interstate-69.  I-69 represents more than a highway.  It represents hope, ambition, and commitment to future generations-- all qualities that drive the American spirit.  But, it will not get done without a champion in Congress seeing to it that it gets done.

Thank you.