JASPER, Ind. — Southern Indiana communities cheered construction of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville, but some want to take fuller advantage of it.

From Jasper, for instance, it takes about 45 minutes to reach I-69. It's a concern for all travelers, including semis which need access to industries in the area, said CEO Mark Schroeder of German American Bank, and chairman of the Mid-States Corridor Redevelopment Authority.

A group of businesses and government agencies in 12 Indiana counties are involved in the authority, which along with the Indiana Department of Transportation is underwriting a study they hope leads to an upgraded highway.

It would start at the William Natcher Bridge at Rockport and continue generally through the Huntingburg and Jasper area before connecting to I-69, either directly or via Indiana 37.

It hasn't been determined if the upgraded highway would follow existing routes, be a new-terrain route or some of both.

The study is technically called a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement. It is expected to take just over two years to finish. The Lochmueller Group of Evansville is doing the evaluation.

The cost, split between local governments and businesses, is about $7 million, the Dubois County Herald reported.

Three upcoming public meetings are a part of the process. During those meetings, potential corridor alternatives will be presented, and interested residents will be told how they can give feedback.

Meetings will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. EST on Aug. 5 at Washington High School, Aug. 6 at Springs Valley High School in French Lick and Aug. 8 at Jasper High School.

Officials said the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement will include analysis of benefits, and costs of different route options, as well as assessment of social, economic and environmental impacts.

Schroeder said the study is an important step toward getting an improved highway built, and he encouraged interested residents to weigh in and follow the process.

Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide said better north-south transportation is necessary for local industries, which need safe connections to markets in states like Michigan and Tennessee.

He said it's also needed for recreational travelers heading from southern Indiana to larger cities in all directions.

The Mid-States Corridor Project has an office at the Jasper campus of Vincennes University, in Room 216 of the Administration Building.

More:Scales Lake in Boonville temporarily closed due to high E.Coli levels

More:24 fun things to do in the Evansville area this weekend, next week

More:After child left in car dies on USI campus, police not recommending charges