SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

April 1, 2003

Senator James Inhofe

United States Senate

Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Inhofe:

This letter is written in support of the 4-127 project that will upgrade Illinois Route 13/127 from two to four lanes between Murphysboro and Pinckneyville. This highway improvement project has my full support. The expansion to four lanes, which will permit easier access to St. Louis, will reap extraordinary benefits for the citizens of southern Illinois.

The project will especially benefit Southern Illinois University. One of the University's campuses is located in Edwardsville. The expansion from two to four lanes will ease the burden of travel between Carbondale and Edwardsville. Additionally, major air travel for university staff and visitors is scheduled out of Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. The expansion of this highway will make travel more accessible.

This highway project will also provide the means for other businesses located the region to transport goods in a more timely and efficient manner. Our geographic location impedes economic development due to the distance between southern Illinois and major airports. The highway improvement project will greatly benefit southern Illinois in this regard by providing easier access to Lambert in St. Louis and surrounding areas.

The importance of this project is immeasurable to southern Illinois. I urge your positive consideration of this project.

Sincerely,

James E. Walker

President