Touting the region as the "Gateway to the World," theinitiative, billed the e-Corridor program, is using the area'sunencumbered infrastructure, pro-business attitude and skilledworkforce to sell businesses on locating there.

In announcing the program, San Bernardino county supervisorKathy Davis says, "In the New Economy, companies must be equippedto get their goods to market at a moment's notice. The uniquecombination of transportation, large tracts of available land and askilled workforcemake the e-Corridor region the ideal location for21st Century business."

The area's comprehensive transportation and distribution networkextends along Interstate 15 from Highway 60 to Barstow through theInland Empire North, which comprises Adelanto, Apple Valley,Barstow, Hesperia and Victorville. It includes both internationaland cargo airports; transcontinental rail service by two railroads;and access to an extensive, uncongested highway system thatincludes Interstate 15, long considered Southern California'scommercial lifeline.