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.
Opinion
Our View: The road to economic growth
- Opinion
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Sometimes, the doing the right thing can hurt
When you are growing up, everyone tells you that doing the right thing is supposed to make you feel good.
- Reader: Questioning county board's refusal to discuss issue
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Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
I have been constructively asked by a few readers if I can shorten my columns.
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Our View: Festival reminds us of the good things in life
There are plenty of things in life to be worried about, such as caring for family, having a job, paying the bills, upkeep on homes and autos.
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Our View: Improving a well-traveled roadway
Tonight, the Mt. Vernon City Council is expected to vote on a bid for construction of a overlay project along Shiloh Drive on the city’s west side.
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Our View: Hoping this can be the final chapter
In the 18 months since then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on corruption charges — and eventually ousted from office by state lawmakers — the former governor has continued to make the media rounds.
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Rippy: Will we stop the lobby machine?
I have a lifelong friend who e-mails me articles from time to time. He is a retired professor residing in Arizona.
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County board chairman responds to meeting report
Letter to the editor
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Our View: Nominate for MVTHS awards
Time has come to again nominate individuals for the Mt. Vernon Township High School Distinguished Alumni program.
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Our View: Make sure to get permit for fireworks
Even though some fireworks are legal in Illinois, it might not be widely known that a permit is required to purchase, possess or display them.
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Sometimes, the doing the right thing can hurt
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