Gubernatorial candidate is against the project
(AURORA, Ind.) – The fight continues for a large group of Southeast Indiana residents who have formed the grassroots organization known as ‘Stop Link 101’.
Link 101 is an Indiana Department of Transportation project to evaluate alternatives for a State Road 101 connection between the Markland Dam and U.S. 50.
Project officials say it would help with connectivity, travel, and freight movement in Southeast Indiana.
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However, opponents fear the project would destroy farms, communities, and the small-town culture of our area.
The 812 first met Stephen Otte in September. He serves as an attorney and is one of the loudest critics of the proposed project.
“This doesn't make economic sense. It degrades the character of our communities. And it's awful for the environment. They're going to be taking multi-generational family farms against our will, and for what purpose,” Otte told The 812 in September.
Otte says there are about 8,000 people who have signed petition signatures in opposition of the project.
One person who appears to be in favor of scratching the project is Republican candidate for governor Jamie Reitenour.
Otte says Reitenour voiced her displeasure of the project during a Republican debate on Monday night.
“I’ve seen the struggles in the State. Link 101 in District 9, a highway that the current administration has allotted 200 million dollars for, just to save six to eight minutes. The residents there are crying out for someone to hear them. Don’t take our homes. Don’t spend taxpayer dollars to save six to eight minutes,” she said, according to Otte.
Stop Link 101 has drafted a press release following her remarks and you can read that here:
INDOT is continuing to evaluate alternatives and expects to release a shorter list of alternatives this spring for further study.
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