Airport Expressway paved the way for Fort Wayne and Allen County's growth, local officials said Thursday during a conference devoted to development.

The 7.9-mile road has played a vital role in providing direct access to Fort Wayne International Airport from Interstate 469 since it opened in 2001, conference panelists said.

"Development in the last 30 years – but really the last 10 years – has just blown up," said Scott Hinderman, executive director of Fort Wayne airports. He was one of four panelists who discussed the airport and expressway's contribution to local growth.

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. organized the Economic Development Summit, which drew about 500 people to Memorial Coliseum's conference center. Sessions included how economic development depends on education, small business

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