Letter: Good roads needed for good economy

Rural, urban and suburban Hoosiers depend on each other to create a healthy economy and positive future. All regions of the state benefit from good connectivity.

Thanks to IBJ for reporting Policy Analytics’ research concluding that Marion County’s most populous county, ranks last in funding-per-vehicle mile, receiving only 12 cents for every dollar it contributes to Indiana’s formula for funding local roads [“Metro mayors join push to change state’s funding formula for local roads,” Sept. 2]. Meanwhile, the smallest and least populous county receives $4 for every dollar it contributes. The eight growing, suburban counties surrounding Marion County also rank in the bottom third.

IBJ observes that, “The Legislature is controlled by a Republican supermajority that represents mostly rural areas of the state. Given that changing the formula would pull money from rural districts, there has been little incentive for Republican legislators to tweak it.”

Thanks for a glowing example of the results of severe gerrymandering. Fair, competitive legislative districts would produce better support for roads, the economy, and all citizens of Indiana.

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Martha Lamkin