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Dubois County Council delays vote on Mid-States Corridor RDA amid heated public input
Summary
Council heard INDOT planning updates and a wave of public comment both opposing and supporting the Mid-States Corridor and the county—s membership in the Regional Development Authority; members agreed to delay a vote until March 30, 2026.
President Michael W. Kluesner opened the discussion on the Mid-States Corridor on Feb. 23, 2026, after INDOT and consultants presented preliminary design and procurement plans for a multi-section corridor that could begin construction in fall 2027. Kyanna Wheeler of INDOT outlined environmental and traffic analyses and said state and federal dollars are allocated; no local match was expected at this time.
The update prompted extensive public comment. Brad Hochgesang, co-founder of Mid-States Update and a candidate for the Indiana Senate, presented an ordinance to remove Dubois County from the Mid-States Regional Development Authority and said survey results showed strong opposition (transcript figures: 81% local, 74% statewide). He urged President Kluesner to call a vote.
Opponents echoed that position. Mark Nowotarski of the Coalition Against the Mid-States Corridor asked the council to end its RDA membership, saying the RDA—s mission had been fulfilled by the Tier 1 study. Jason McCoy of the Property Rights Alliance told members he believes the RDA is "corrupt" and urged councilors to learn their obligations. A Southridge Middle School student, Henry Vollmer, said, "I do not want family farmland and homes taken," and raised safety concerns about proposed J-turns.
Proponents also spoke. Colten Pipenger, executive director of Dubois Strong, said, "To be competitive, we need the Mid-States Corridor," noting private industry support. Mark Schroeder, chairman of the RDA, described the authority as a fiscal agent that handles local participation and private funding. Bill Kaiser, legal counsel for the RDA, reminded the council that a prior study identified a need for a bypass around Jasper and Huntingburg and said it is the council—s decision whether to continue RDA membership.
After discussion of the ordinance presented by Hochgesang, President Kluesner said the council and the county attorney would review the document and postponed any membership vote until the March 30, 2026, meeting. Council member Doug Uebelhor expressed concern about the original intent of improving US 231 versus building a new roadway. The council did not take formal action to withdraw from the RDA at this meeting.
The council—s next meeting is March 30, 2026, when members expect to revisit the RDA membership question.
