WHITLEY CITY — McCreary County Fiscal Court has passed a resolution in support of a newly formed group that will act as a day-to-day advocate for Interstate 66. The 1-66 Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization was established in the fall of 2004. Dale Weddle, Executive Director of the Foundation, issued a statement today thanking the fiscal court and offering background information on his organization. According to Weddle, “Our group will serve as a resource center and clearinghouse for collection and dissemination of information related to the road and will work to educate the public regarding the positive impact 1-66 can have on their area. The Foundation will also coordinate local, state and federal efforts to ensure completion of the various phases of 1-66 and will seek to develop and maintain momentum for completion of the interstate coast-to-coast. “Congressman Rogers felt like there was a need for a group to be out there pushing for the road on a day to day basis, so he has encouraged and provided support for the Foundation and Institute,” Weddle continued. Offices of the Foundation and the partner organization, the I-66 Institute, will be located in the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. “This office location will enable the two groups to work together with all of the community and economic resources offered at the Center and will allow us to utilize the technological and communication resources offered at the Center,” Weddle said. “I-66 is a huge project whose successful completion will require the help, support and teamwork of all the states impacted by the interstate, support is also needed from all of the communities, organizations and businesses that will realize economic development opportunities from 1-66. There is dramatic evidence that counties within the direct corridor of an interstate are not the only ones to benefit, neighboring counties do as well.” The Foundation has identified 54 counties across Kentucky as corridor or impacted counties. Resolutions of support have initially been requested from the counties within Hal Rogers’ 5th Congressional District. “We appreciate the show of support from Judge Phillips and members of the McCreary County Fiscal Court,” Weddle said. “Their strong leadership on the local level coupled with Congressman Rogers’ tireless efforts in support of funding for I-66 in Washington will assure a better future for the next generation here in the Whitley City area and all across Southern Kentucky.”
