Connecting Communities
The City of Murphysboro, on behalf of the Four County Highway Coalition, has applied for $387 million in MEGA Grant funding. This funding is part of the Biden Administration's Infrastructure Legislation.
The Four County Highway Coalition wants to thank Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Dick Durbin, and Congressman Mike Bost for their help and support in pursuing this funding opportunity.
Will Stephens is the New Chairman of the Four-County Highway Coalition Murphysboro Mayor, Will Stephens is the new Chairman of the Four-County Highway Coalition. Mr. Stephens takes over for Dr. Marc Kiehna, who has led the group since its inception in 2017.
We thank Dr. Kiehna for his wonderful leadership the last five years and we welcome Mayor Stephens!
The Southwest Illinois Connector Highway Task Force Report is now available!
Southern Illinois proximity to the Midwest and southern United States makes it a significant hub of transportation. A four-lane rural expressway is crucial for the expansion of commerce in Southern Illinois and future growth and job creation opportunities.
Southern Illinois’ proximity to and impact on the Midwest and Southeastern Markets:
Primary Metal Manufacturing
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Healthcare
Agribusiness, Food Processing & Technology Mining
Fossil & Renewable Energy
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics
Machinery Manufacturing
Forest & Wood Products
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Visitor Industries
Southern Illinois is a powerhouse for manufacturing and raw goods. Transportation-related industries account for approximately $350 million in annual revenue and provide thousands of jobs. The total impact of the Southwestern Illinois transportation industry on the midwest economy is an estimated $1.2 billion in annual business revenue. Also, tourism in Southern Illinois generates more than $300 million in visitor revenue annually.
A rural expressway through Southwestern Illinois will provide a safe, reliable highway and increase economic development opportunities in Monroe, Randolph, Perry, and Jackson counties. It will improve access to the Kaskaskia Regional Port District, area hospitals, the World Shooting Complex, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and other regional destinations. It will expand regional access from the population centers in Southern Illinois to the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Safe and Reliable
Rural areas have unique circumstances that need addressing to improve the safety and reliability of rural roads. Considerations for farm equipment, animals on the road, unmarked fields and driveways, and rough roads impact safety. Accidents, flooding, and oversized loads can close roadways and cause traffic delays.
Accessible and Efficient
A four-lane rural expressway through Monroe, Randolph, Perry, and Jackson counties will increase access to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the World Shooting Complex, and other destinations, and achieve travel efficiency to regional marketplaces.
Expansion and Prosperity
Southern Illinois is a significant hub of transportation, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution business activity. A four-lane expressway will allow Monroe, Randolph, Perry, and Jackson Counties to capitalize on the multimodal transportation assets already in place: rivers, railways, airports, and utilities.