Sample Email
Subject: No New Highway for US 23 / I-71 Connector – Support Improvements to Existing US 23
Dear [Official's Name],
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to all proposed new highway concepts in the US 23 / I-71 Connector
Feasibility Study being conducted by ODOT under Section 755.60 of House Bill 54. This project threatens homes, farms, wildlife, and the integrity of our rural communities.
ODOT’s own Route 23 Connect Study concluded that a new highway is not the answer. Their findings were clear: “All of
the proposed concepts for a fully free-flowing connection between Waldo and I-270 would substantially impact natural
and cultural resources, and would cost much more than they provide in benefit. As a result, none of the proposed
concepts, as presented, are feasible to advance for further study.” ODOT also stated: “The costs—including construction, engineering, inspection, and right-of-way—were all at least three times greater than the anticipated benefits. None of the proposed Build concepts can be reasonably implemented in the immediate future.”
So why are the State and ODOT now suggesting a new highway is a good idea? What changed? If they are backtracking on their own study, how can we trust this new direction?
The US 23 / I-71 Connector Study October 2025 Interim Report only raises more concerns:
The new highway’s benefits are contingent on companion improvements and widening of I-71.
The connector concept with the greatest time saved could be as little as just 8 minutes- hardly worth the
destruction of homes, farms, and communities. Meanwhile, per January 2025 updates to ODOT’s own Route 23 Connect Study, improvements to the existing US 23 corridor could reduce travel times by up to 35 minutes, benefiting tens of thousands of drivers daily. ODOT previously stated that building a new highway was too cost-prohibitive. Now, they’re considering spending our hard-earned tax dollars not only on a new highway, but also on improvements to US 23 and I-71.
Additional concerns include:
Loss of homes through eminent domain or proximity to an unwanted freeway.
Destruction of farmland, impacting multi-generational family businesses.
Damage to wildlife areas, including Delaware State Park, Alum Creek State Park, and private woodlands.
Reduced community safety, with divided school districts and delayed emergency response times.
Minimal to no benefit to the local community. Per ODOT’s own Route 23 Connect Study: “Residents and
businesses impacted would not receive much of the benefits of the improvements.”
I am asking you to say NO to all proposed new highway concepts and YES to updating US 23 as originally recommended
by ODOT. Please help us voice our opposition and concerns of a new highway through our rural community to the state
legislature, ODOT and other government officials.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Optional: Phone Number or Email]