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The Southwest Connector
A proposed rural 4 lane expressway, created via the expansion of Illinois Routes 127 - 154 and 3 from Carbondale to St. Louis Missouri.
Southwest Connector Coalition Members
The Southwest Connector is a bi-partisan group of like minded local officials, business owners, non-profit leaders, and citizens advocating for safer roads, economic development and job creation for Southwestern Illinois via the expansion of Illinois Routes 127, 154 and 3 from Carbondale to St. Louis Missouri.
Will Stephens: S.W.C.C. Chairman
Will Stephens is the Mayor of Murphysboro elected in 2013 and Chairman of the Southwest Connector Coalition since 2023.
Co-Chair: John Rendleman: Jackson County Board
John Rendleman is a practicing attorney, member of the Jackson County Board, and active member of the Southwest Connector Coalition since 2018.
Co-Chair: Dr. Marc Kiehna
Marc Kiehna is the past Chairman of the Southwest Connector Coalition, and past Chairman of the Randolph County Board. His leadership produced the Southwest Connector Task Force in 2018, which created the Southwest Connector Task Force Report of 2019. He remains an important and active member of the Coalition.
Co-Chair: Mayor Carolin Harvey
Carolin Harvey is the Mayor of Carbondale Illinois. Her support of the Southwest Connector has been greatly appreciated and her willingness to advocate for the project is greatly appreciated.
Co-Chair: George Green: Monroe County Board Chairman
George E. Green, began serving as Monroe County Commissioner – Chairman on December 1, 2023. George is a retired businessman and an active Real Estate Broker. He brings over 35 years of Executive Business Leadership experience to the office.
Co-Chair: Bruce Morganstern: Perry County Board Chairman
Mr. Morgenstern has been Chairman of the Perry County Board 2021. He is also a business representative on the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board. He also serves as a Chief Local Elected Official for Local Workforce Area #25. In addition, Mr. Morgenstern is the owner of Pheasant Hollow Winery in Whittington.
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