Credit Katie Zilcosky/ WAER
The Interstate 81 project is inching closer to action with the anticipation of a public comment period and final environmental impact statement expected this year. Federal and local leaders say they want the project to uplift the Black community members who had their livelihoods ripped from them when the viaduct was first built.
This is a welcome intention for many in and advocating for the community closest to the viaduct. But before the project breaks ground, community organizers want decision makers to not just acknowledge the harms of the past, but implement targeted policy that will help the community it destroyed. For City Limits, Katie Zilcosky hears from those working to center and amplify the voices of the former 15th Ward.