[Vision2020] Megaloads Not Worth It

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (September 16, 2010) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with
thanks to Gail Guetschow of Kooskia.

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Megaloads not worth it

What could the Idaho Transportation Department have been thinking when it
gave tacit approval to ConocoPhillips to plan a high and wide corridor for
mega-loads on U.S. Highway 12? Where was the call for public input at the
outset? How could ITD ignore the rules that protect Highway 12, a
recognized national treasure? Consider its many designations: Northwest
Passage Scenic Byway, one of 27 All-American Roads, Lewis-Clark and Nez
Perce National Historic Trails, two Wild and Scenic River corridors
(Clearwater and Lochsa) and access to a third (Selway), 70 miles of Nez
Perce Reservation, No. 1 recreational motorcycle route according to
Motorcycle Magazine, a segment of Nez Perce National Historic Park and of
the TransAmerica Bicycle Route.

U.S. 12 is lined with campgrounds, campsites, beaches and picnic areas. It
provides access to trails used by hunters, fishers, trekkers and horseback
riders. The Lochsa Historic Ranger Station, the McBeth House, historical
churches, Big Eddy Marina at Dworshak Reservoir and Spalding Park are
located on this river route.

Is allowing Big Oil the opportunity to save a few dollars by jeopardizing
the safety and security of this historic and scenic corridor, which so
many enjoy, worth it? Many Idahoans don't think so!

Gail Guetschow
Kooskia


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Seeya on the flip-flop, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Winnemucca, Nevada

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown