The Four-County Highway Coalition will host an informational public meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Waterloo City Hall.

Officials from Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Monroe counties formed the coalition earlier this summer to explore a highway connection from Southern Illinois to the St. Louis area.

It is hoped that a four-lane connection through these counties would create economic development opportunities and improve access to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, and other regional destinations.

The group is hoping to tap into dollars that may be available as a push is made to include infrastructure projects in the Federal Transportation Budget.

The coalition is looking at a highway that would include Route 127 from Murphysboro to Pinckneyville, then head west on Route 154 to the Sparta area and connect with Route 3 at Red Bud north to Waterloo. Phase I planning has been completed from Murphysboro to Pinckneyville.

Randolph County Board Chairman Dr. Marc Kiehna serves as chairman of this coalition. He said July 26 meeting in Murphysboro was well attended.

State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) has expressed support for the proposed highway.

“I believe this project is necessary for the long-term economic viability of our region,” Schimpf said.

On Monday night, the Waterloo City Council passed a resolution supporting the formation of an  intergovernmental agreement between Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Monroe counties regarding this four-lane highway connection.