Du Bois County Council rejects Midstates Corridor project amid public opposition

The Dubois County Council has officially taken a stand against the proposed Midstates Corridor project, passing a resolution on June 23, 2025, that reflects the overwhelming opposition from local residents. The council's resolution highlights multiple studies dating back to the 1980s that deem the new terrain highway economically and environmentally unfeasible for the area.

Governor Hogan's announcement in June 2021 of a $75 million appropriation for improvements to the existing US Highway 231 was noted as a more viable alternative. Public meetings held since April 2022 have shown that a significant majority of attendees oppose the Midstates Corridor, citing concerns over displacement, loss of farmland and forest, environmental damage, and reduced tax revenue. Over 10,000 signatures from county residents have been collected against the project, indicating strong community sentiment.

The council criticized the claims of economic benefits put forth by project proponents, labeling them as speculative and lacking credible support. Instead, they emphasized that funding should focus on maintaining existing roads and bridges within the county.

In a decisive move, the council resolved to oppose the Midstates Corridor project, stating they will not support any eminent domain actions or additional tax funding requests related to it. The resolution aims to protect the interests of county residents, farmlands, and the environment from what they consider a burdensome highway project. This resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about infrastructure development in Dubois County, reflecting the community's priorities and concerns.