With groundbreaking on construction of I-69, the NAFTA Superhighway, scheduled to begin this week, both resistance to the highway and repression of activists are escalating. And don’t forget: July 28 is a national day of mobilization against I-69!
In response to a June 25 lockdown at a Gohmann Asphalt facility in Haubstadt, IN, the company has summoned the one arrestee from that action and attempted to force them to divulge the names of others who were involved. This is a first step in filing what is known as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), a common corporate tactic used to try and silence activists.
This individual is still without a lawyer. Funds are needed, as well as help from lawyers with experience fighting SLAPPs.
Even as the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is holding a secret I-69 groundbreaking party for fear of protest, the I-69 Listening Project and Roadblock Earth First! are putting on a counter-party to speak against the construction of this highway and work towards the construction of community. Landowers and activists will speak about how and why the construction of I-69 will be so destructive and about the seventeen-year-old campaign against this road. The event will take place July 20 at 3 p.m. at Werth Park on SR-64, just west of SR-57 near Oakland City. There will be a BBQ; bring a selection of side dishes and dessert. Bring food to throw on the grill and to share!
Whether you’re in Indiana or not, July 28 is a national day of mobilization against I-69! There are many corporations involved with the planning and construction of I-69 in Southern Indiana, Texas, and other states where construction has not started yet (Kentucky, Tennesee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana) — and they have offices everywhere.
Now is the time to decisively stop the I-69 Corridor of the Future: Contact Roadblock Earth First! to join the struggle today! Also, visit the new I-69 Media Office for archived media about I-69 and the resistance to it, as well as media resources for anti-I-69 affinity groups.