Northwest Indiana organizations in fields ranging from construction to tourism are circling the wagons and expressing support for the Illiana Expressway.

Five groups have put out a joint statement that "advocates facts on the Illiana."

Some of those stand in stark contrast to numbers promulgated by opponents, according to Jim Zaleski, a spokesman for the organizations.

"We want to create public discussion on this topic because that's what needs to take place," Zaleski said.

The organizations say according to transportation planners' numbers, the Illiana will take up 2,500 acres, not the 16,000 acres recently cited by opponents. It also cites the fact that "the farming way of life" does quite nicely all along Interstate 65 between Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis.

"We just want to make sure realistic numbers are used," Zaleski said. "It's not our purpose to be in conflict."

The claim by opponents that thousands of homes would be destroyed is also contested by the groups, since the exact path of the roadway has not even been determined.

Groups signing on to the numbers listed in the report were the Northwest Indiana Forum, Construction Advancement Foundation, the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, and the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau.