Supporters of a proposed new interstate that would connect communities in five southern states say it would reduce poverty and improve the lives of residents along the route.
The proposed Interstate 14 would run from west Texas across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
A map being promoted by its supporters shows suggested interstate running through the central portions of all five states.
It would run from Interstate 10 in west Texas through the Killeen and College Station areas and cross through central Louisiana in the Alexandria area. In Mississippi, it would run through the Natchez, Laurel and Meridian areas.In Alabama, the conceptual route includes the communities of Selma, Montgomery and Phenix City. In Georgia, it would connect Columbus with Macon and Augusta.
A University of Georgia student and two Alabama friends launched a nonprofit organization earlier this year to promote the concept, The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported. The trio has produced a video campaign for their dream interstate.
“I always start out by saying the biggest thing holding this back is lack of awareness. We have to get the word out about this,” said Frank Lumpkin IV, one of the three friends who began the nonprofit Youth Infrastructure Coalition.
“The politicians aren’t going to listen unless the constituency base is for this project, and for that to happen, they have to know about it,” he added.
The promotional video notes that a federal study was commissioned in 2010 to explore alternative routes from Natchez to Augusta, with the report presented to Congress.
Concrete dream: Some envision new I-14 route through South
Sign up for the free Daily Report email – local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business impact business in Baton Rouge and beyond.
