[Vision2020] Permitting is All Show

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (May 17, 2011) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with thanks
to Moscow's Lady From Six, Representative Shirley Ringo.

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'Permitting' is all show

Regarding megaload shipments, it has been very clear all along that the
Idaho Transportation of Department and our governor gave the OK to the oil
companies a long time ago. The oil companies didn't have this equipment
manufactured in Korea without assurances they would be able to move it.

I believe this "permitting process" is all show, fronting for assurances
already given.

The unfortunate truth is that the majority of elected officials don't
share our concern. During the 2011 legislative session, I found no
interest among the vast majority of legislators to strengthen the process
for granting permits - quite the opposite. The engineers from ITD are
determined to get the megaloads through - it seems they are delighted to
have the challenge. Mishaps that inconvenience citizens appear to increase
their determination, rather than raise questions about the advisability of
the project.

In the 2000 legislative session, we opened experimental routes in
southeast Idaho for trucks weighing 135,000 pounds. There was supposed to
be a report concerning their effect on pavement and bridges.

That report never came (was inconclusive), yet ITD is comfortable with
approving at least 200 shipments of megaloads.

The Washington Legislature is acting much more responsibly. Apparently
Idaho officials are not as thoughtful.

The shipment of these huge, heavy loads is a major imposition on the
people for a number of reasons, and it is difficult to see it is in the
public interest. (We might even want to talk about spills related to the
pipeline delivery of oil from the project in Canada.)

This is one of many frustrations regarding Idaho's leadership.

Be sure to sign your petitions to allow a vote on the newly enacted laws
for public schools.

State Rep. Shirley Ringo, Moscow

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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

 - Unknown