INDIANAPOLIS - Auditor of State Connie K. Nass praised the decision Governor Frank O’Bannon announced today in Evansville selecting an extension of I-69 through southwestern Indiana.

“This extension makes good economic sense for Indiana’s future. We are now phasing out the inventory tax to take advantage of our location as the Crossroads of America. As long as we are pushing that advantage of our location, it is also wise for us to increase it through the creation of a direct extension of I-69.

“That’s why I applaud Governor O’Bannon for making the right decision on I-69’s expansion. I have long been an advocate of a direct I-69 extension. As the former mayor of Huntingburg, I have experienced first-hand the economic disadvantage southwestern Indiana has suffered from its isolation from the rest of Indiana. This direct extension will go a long way towards increasing the flow of commerce through the southwest quadrant of our state and in the long term will make all of Indiana more prosperous.”