Press Release

Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) recently introduced H.Res. 608, supporting a study on the development of an Interstate 73 (I-73) corridor spanning southern Ohio and recognizing the significant economic benefits it could bring to local businesses. The proposed interstate would largely follow State Highway 23, running south from Toledo, through Columbus, and down to the Kentucky/West Virginia border, promoting connectivity, safety, and economic growth throughout Ohio’s southern region.

“With a leading defense technology company building an advanced manufacturing facility near Columbus and a growing uranium enrichment site in Piketon, business in southern Ohio is booming, and it’s about time we have the infrastructure needed to support it. Workers need a reliable thoroughfare to commute to work, and our growing industries rely on a central road to transport goods. An I-73 corridor would also finally give small Appalachian businesses a chance to connect with the modern economy, reinvigorating local main streets and giving businesses the tools to succeed that are long overdue,” said Congressman Taylor.

Specifically, this resolution:

  • Recognizes the importance of the Interstate Highway System;
  • Recognizes the economic boost and increased national security that an interstate could provide to the region; and
  • Supports the planning, designing, and development of an interstate in southern Ohio heading south from Columbus.

In the hearing, Congressman Taylor said, “An interstate through southern Ohio would not just help connect rural communities to the modern economy but would enhance our national security because of multiple key facilities and defense-related companies along the route.”

He continued, asking Secretary Duffy, “How can the Department of Transportation assist states such as Ohio in planning and constructing major infrastructure projects like this future interstate to spur the continued growth of our nation, especially in historically underserved areas like mine?”

Secretary Duffy responded, “That’s a really good point. It’s our request for information and data, and your state’s willingness to give that data, to make sure we can see the priority of serving your community. And I would agree with you, we have too many communities that don’t have adequate infrastructure, and most of them are oftentimes rural. I’d be happy to have an additional conversation on that project with you.”

The resolution introduced by Congressman Taylor last week supports a study on the potential development of this I-73 corridor to promote connectivity, safety, and economic growth throughout Ohio’s southern region.

Congressman David Taylor represents Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which includes Clermont, Clinton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Scioto, Pickaway, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Lawrence, Gallia, and Meigs counties, as well as part of Fayette County. Taylor serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Agriculture Committee.