Alternatives need to be considered on the byway

In response to Dave Hancock's recent letter to editor suggesting I wish to "toss out the majority feelings and work that has been done, and start from scratch" by advancing the tunnel alternative.

In the recent presentation to the Sandpoint City Council we, in fact, advocated that the Idaho Transportation Department be given an opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues with the Sand Creek alignment and meet their commitment to get out to contract this year. If ITD cannot demonstrate they can resolve the issues at some point, the hard questions need to be asked and alternatives will need to be considered.

It could be that the process will indeed need to start over from scratch if there is to be a solution to the Sandpoint traffic problem.

If so, it is better to start sooner rather then later.

The Sand Creek alignment of the byway seems to entirely ignore the Section 404(b)(1) regulations of the Clean Water Act, requiring selection of the practicable alternative that does the least damage to the aquatic environment. It is also understood that BNSF cannot be forced to sell their property. Both of these issues have the potential to put a permanent halt to the Sand Creek alignment regardless of any claims of full public support. The lawsuit remains unresolved as well.

At this time we'll all just need to sit and wait to see if ITD can meet their own goal and get it together by year's end.

STEVE POTTER

Sandpoint

Citizens for the

Sandpoint Tunnel