Posted: Monday, February 11, 2013 9:34 pm

By KEVIN BOWDEN
Staff Reporter
It was during a Friday tour of the local Kohler plant that Congressman Stephen Fincher addressed concerns about rising fuel prices and the future of I-69.
“When gas prices hit $4 it breaks everybody,” Fincher said as he responded to a concern from Kohler plant manager Matthew Wright.
Wright told Fincher rising gas prices are having a direct impact on the local manufacturing plant. Truck deliveries and pickups are being cut back as fuel prices increase.
Fincher told local plant officials “we need to use what we have without destroying the environment,” referring to coal, oil and natural gas.
On the issue of I-69, Fincher presented a contrasting position to that of state Commissioner of Transportation John Schroer, who has made statements recently that a lack of federal funding is holding up work on the interstate in West Tennessee.
“We are all for I-69,” Fincher said Friday.
He stated Congress has committed nearly $1 billion over the next four years to transportation in Tennessee. He said $880 million to $890 million has been allocated through Congress and it is up to the state to decide where the funding will be spent.
“I want to see I-69 completed,” Fincher said. “It’s going to revolutionize West Tennessee forever.”
Fincher stood his ground in defense of the Congressional funding for transportation in Tennessee.
“Let’s keep moving forward on I-69. Let’s not stop,” he said.
“This will change America ... it will change West Tennessee forever. My message to you is reach out to the state and commissioner Schroer,” Fincher said.
Fincher said he met with Schroer about two weeks ago to discuss the I-69 project.
“This is important to us,” Fincher said about the interstate project.
Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 2.11.13