I know nothing about the potential I-69 corridor. I do know that 30+ years ago, similar arguments were made in virginia over a thirty mile stretch of land from Arlington to Leesburg where no one but horses and cattle lived and where Dulles Airport had just been built. The state built a tollway (one public, the other private, both numbered 267), and ever since then, it's undergone multiple expansions, and one is estimated to have a cash flow of $7 billion over 50 years. It's spurred development—both residential and commercial—and has been an all too critical addition to the transportation network. Every case is different, but boy what a difference it's made!

The author of this particular LTE suffers from the same regionalistic thinking that has been harming Indiana for decades - the regionalism that Gov. Daniels has fought hard against. Baas' central argument avers the proposed highway is bad public policy since residents on existing portions of the highway currently enjoy a free thoroughfare. Screw the Hoosiers in economically depressed Pike and Daviess Counties. Why should Bloomingtonian PRB'ers give up anything for the greater good of the entire state? (Aside from the fact that Hoosiers from across the state chipped in to pay the tab in 37 and the 46 upgrade through Monroe County.)

Be very afraid if they promise to make the tolls temporary, "just until the road is paid for." I-294 was paid for this way, and I still have to pay 4 tolls when I visit my friend in Chicago.
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040826/NEWS0109/40826001