Published: October 27, 2009 07:39 pm      

Our View: The road to economic growth

Tuesday the official ribbon cutting for the new Interstates 57/64 overpass/interchange was held, opening Veterans Memorial Drive and 42nd Street again. The new interchange will be opened in the next few weeks, as crews wait on a part for signal lights.

While the new roadways will alleviate congestion on Broadway and make getting around more convenient for many people, the eyes of most are now focused on economic development.

More than 600 acres of land are being opened as a result of the new infrastructure. The city is working to provide water and sewer lines to the new areas. In the past months, work has been going on to keep developers updated to the progress of the construction in the area.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley spoke Tuesday about the interchange and the resulting growth as part of a dream.

“The interchange opens up opportunities not only for Mt. Vernon, but Jefferson County, the Southern Illinois region and the state as well,” Chesley said.

Opportunities are here, and growth is just around the corner.