Fast Lane

 

David L. Birch's "The Q Factor" ("Metro Report," April) ignores the importance of ground transportation to economic growth. Birch mistakenly claims that Tucson isn't on a major transportation route. In fact, Tucson is on one of the nation's most important highways, I-10. Transcontinental I-10 connects 6 of the 19 fastest-growing cities, and 9 of the top 45.

Interstate highways provide the most desired transportation link for many small businesses serving regional markets, allowing reduced travel time for artisans who take their "offices" with them in their vehicles. Such highways don't guarantee success, but areas lacking them have little chance for economic growth.