The US Highway 43 corridor traverses the heart of the "Alabama Black Belt". This petition hopes to open our region up to four-lane accessibility so that it would spur interest in developable sites that have access to the rest of the Interstate highway system. It would promote and accommodate commercial development within a rural area from improved accessibility. It would attract new industries, including development of tourism and retirement potential that will lead to increased population and jobs.

The absence of four-lane and or Interstate highway accessibility is viewed as the primary cause of the region's isolation and lack of development. This is a deeply impoverished rural area where the industrial base has not yet developed beyond that related to its traditional resource specialization. The region between I-20/I-59 and I-65 at Mobile is particularly known for its large forest reserves. The region's lack of success in developing or attracting industries beyond those related to its traditional resource base limits its potential for economic growth and the economic opportunities of its residents.

 Reflecting the limited opportunity within the corridor economy, the region has had a relatively stagnant population for decades due to net out-migration. The region is now smaller than it was 30 years ago. The population of the seven counties was 131,320 in 1970, increasing to 134,870 in 1980 and then declining to 132,195 in 1990 and 128,607 in 2000.