Need for byway has drivers feeling weary

Let me see here, we have an individual that purchased a condo on the lake in Sandpoint, and it's right next to the BNSF railroad and knows a bypass is planned right near him. Now he suggests we consider a tunnel. You think there is some other personal objective here?

So, my thinking for consideration is this. If he can guarantee that this can be done in the same timeframe as the bypass, at the same cost, firm contracts and costs with all the contractors, including subs that have no recourse to come back and say, "Well, this was an unforeseen problem" and we need more money, hey I'm all over that. No contractor will touch that! We all know about the "Big Dig" in Boston is now billions over cost and has minor problems, like people getting killed.

Can't we just go on here? If the tunnel is considered, I'll wager the next thing will be, "Well let's also get another tunnel for the trains." Is there any end to this? I know at my age I'll never see this come to an end, but I'm weary of going in town and seeing trucks with cattle, pigs, propane, gasoline, etc. For retailers, these trucks don't have our town as a destination, and they aren't coming through to purchase a handbag, shoes, or have lunch. There's no place to park a truck anyway, or even locals to park cars. That's why we just stay home and have a tuna salad sandwich for lunch.

BILL INGMIRE

Sandpoint