After years of planning, preparation, and design work, we are now moving forward on what I believe will be one of the most significant projects ever undertaken in Kentucky . In the summer of 2004 we officially kicked off construction on Interstate 66, the East to West Highway that will one day connect the coal fields of West Virginia to the corn farms of Missouri .
I-66 is absolutely critical to the future of Kentucky . Improving our transportation network is one of the most effective ways to promote economic growth and prosperity. Nowhere is the need for new roads more apparent than Southern and Eastern Kentucky where people have been isolated from the rest of the Commonwealth and the nation for far too long. I-66 will provide our citizens with easier access to health care, open our communities to tourists and travel dollars, and provide additional supply lines for the new businesses we are working to create. The highway will also improve safety for people traveling in and around the area.
Since I-66 is so important to our future, we've created two new advocacy organizations - The Interstate 66 Foundation and the Interstate 66 Institute. These groups, which will be comprised of community and business leaders, will provide a one-stop-shop for information about the federal Interstate system and will help communities plan for and benefit from I-66 development. To maximize the benefits of I-66, we also need local, state, and national support. These new organizations will bring community and business leaders together to promote completion of the highway not only across Kentucky , but through the United States . I-66 is America 's Main Street , and I believe it is going to open doors for rural towns across the heart of the nation.
I want to encourage you to contact the Interstate 66 Foundation and find out how you can get involved in this important project. With our combined effort, I am confident we can keep I-66, and Kentucky , moving forward into the 21 st Century.
MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN LEWIS
I’m excited about the progress the Interstate 66 project continues to make in our efforts to modernize Kentucky’s interstate highway network with an important new east-west transportation corridor. The project extends a new promise of commerce and economic development to significant regions of Kentucky previously restricted by lack of major routes.
After many years of regional planning, Governor Fletcher visited Glasgow in March (2005) to unveil “Future Site of I-66” signs; tangible evidence of vision becoming reality within the Second Congressional District. This progress would not be possible without the collective efforts of Rep. Hal Rogers and other elected officials to secure funding, assisted in large part by the continued efforts of the I-66 Foundation and I-66 Institute in their respective campaigns to provide information to the public and encourage support among local groups.
The Interstate 66 project, designed to connect Kentucky with major existing routes in Virginia, West Virginia and Missouri, has been termed “America’s Main Street,” creating a modern highway through the rural heart of the nation. In the Second Congressional District, a new highway will diversify many local economies and build on the region’s natural tourism potential, providing direct access to numerous businesses, state parks, colleges and civil war battlefield sites. The new road will provide significant opportunities to promote growth and prosperity, further establishing Kentucky as an excellent place to live, work, visit and establish new business.
Our ability to modernize the Commonwealth’s transportation network to meet 21st century needs remains a critical variable to ensure future prosperity. Together, we must remain energized and continue to work hard to move forward with the I-66 project. I encourage you to contact the I-66 Foundation to learn how you can get involved at the community level to generate the support and momentum necessary to complete this important project.
MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN WHITFIELD
I-66, commonly called “America’s Main Street”, is an exciting project for the rural heartland of America and I am pleased to work with my colleagues on Capitol Hill and the I-66 Foundation to move the highway toward fruition.
The I-66 Corridor Planning Study undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Missouri Department of Transportation includes five counties in Kentucky’s First Congressional District. The Planning Study includes Marshall, McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle and Graves counties in western Kentucky.
The connection of eastern and western Kentucky by I-66 will be a large boost to the region’s economy and the entire state of Kentucky. Through new roads and infrastructure, western Kentucky businesses have benefited and been able to expand, creating new jobs and strengthening the local economy. I-66 will encourage further growth and diversification that will be a great benefit to Kentucky’s First Congressional District.
Improving our roads and infrastructure must remain a priority for not only Kentucky, but also for our country. It is this type of investment and development that made America’s economy the largest in the world. I-66 promises to contribute to our continued growth and prosperity. I will continue to work with the I-66 Foundation and encourage you to contact them to learn how you can help promote I-66 in your community.
to unveil “Future Site of I-66” signs; tangible evidence of vision becoming reality within the Second Congressional District. This progress would not be possible without the collective efforts of Rep. Hal Rogers and other elected officials to secure funding, assisted in large part by the continued efforts of the I-66 Foundation and I-66 Institute in their respective campaigns to provide information to the public and encourage support among local groups.
The Interstate 66 project, designed to connect Kentucky with major existing routes in Virginia, West Virginia and Missouri, has been termed “America’s Main Street,” creating a modern highway through the rural heart of the nation. In the Second Congressional District, a new highway will diversify many local economies and build on the region’s natural tourism potential, providing direct access to numerous businesses, state parks, colleges and civil war battlefield sites. The new road will provide significant opportunities to promote growth and prosperity, further establishing Kentucky as an excellent place to live, work, visit and establish new business.
Our ability to modernize the Commonwealth’s transportation network to meet 21st century needs remains a critical variable to ensure future prosperity. Together, we must remain energized and continue to work hard to move forward with the I-66 project. I encourage you to contact the I-66 Foundation to learn how you can get involved at the community level to generate the support and momentum necessary to complete this important project. 
Transportation Cabinet and the Missouri Department of Transportation includes five counties in Kentucky’s First Congressional District. The Planning Study includes Marshall, McCracken, Ballard, Carlisle and Graves counties in western Kentucky.
The connection of eastern and western Kentucky by I-66 will be a large boost to the region’s economy and the entire state of Kentucky. Through new roads and infrastructure, western Kentucky businesses have benefited and been able to expand, creating new jobs and strengthening the local economy. I-66 will encourage further growth and diversification that will be a great benefit to Kentucky’s First Congressional District.
Improving our roads and infrastructure must remain a priority for not only Kentucky, but also for our country. It is this type of investment and development that made America’s economy the largest in the world. I-66 promises to contribute to our continued growth and prosperity. I will continue to work with the I-66 Foundation and encourage you to contact them to learn how you can help promote I-66 in your community.