Highway gift: Interstate designations keep Wayne County on the right road

News that Wayne County highways have been designated as future interstates in the federal highway bill that was approved last week by Congress comes as great news at the holidays -- kind of a Christmas gift from Uncle Sam.

The designation of the U.S. 70 and U.S. 117 corridors as future interstate highways will likely have a positive effect on the area's economy, helping raise the profile of the county in the eyes of prospective businesses and making it more likely to get federal assistance in improving those roads. The legislation does not provide any new money for the two highways, but it does create a strong bargaining tool for future funding, officials say.

The designation also will help solidify Wayne County's status within the military community, helping the county maintain its hold on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Local leaders are already itching to get the new highway signs erected, hopefully before Christmas.

It is good news for everyone involved: business interests, the military, and the residents of the county who need to travel and want modern, safe highways on which to do it.

The real impact of the designations might not be felt for some time. But a little celebrating right now is in order, especially for those who have worked so hard and so long to see it finally come to pass.

Published in Editorials on December 8, 2015 12:33 PM