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When I drove Route 66 from Chicago to LA several years ago I got a first hand look at the impacts of interstate highways; both good and bad. Interstate highways are a necessary conduit that connect the supply chain of our nation. However, in many cases, they have smoothed out all the unique features of our vastly unique landscape. They are dotted with the same chain restaurants and box stores across the nation. If you have been to Chili’s in Texarkana, you’ve basically been to them all. Off-Interstate America however, is unique and local. That’s the America I grew up with in Cass County and the one that still exists here. Smalltown, USA is still out there if you get away from the interstate and look for it. As I got my kicks on Route 66, I couldn’t help but think of Cass County and its various small towns, each unique in their own right. US Highway 59 is designated future Interstate 69. And while Cass County has no interstate currently, we are about equidistance between I-30 to the north and I-20 to the south with I-49 situated just east of us in neighboring Louisiana. This puts Cass County in the crosshairs for future transportation infrastructure development. It is a challenging position to be in. It could mean unparalleled opportunity for economic development; it could mean losing our unique small-town identity; or at worst, could threaten our existence altogether. Participation matters and having a seat at the table is important.