Tunnel would be disruptive, astronomically expensive

So, byway advocates are name callers, twisters of facts and have a weak case, while the anti-byway lobby are bringers of truth and light. They also claim to speak for Sandpoint. Nope, just a few plus the development-realty-tourist complex.

Opponents claim to have submitted just 12 pages of testimony to the Army Corps of Engineers. It was actually 100.

They throw Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in our faces, but didn't raise an eyebrow when Ralph Sletager filled in a lot of the Dover wetlands.

They continue peddling the myth that the ITD doesn't have the word from the BNSF to build on their land. Could this be because Pierre Bordenave is the environmental consultant for the railroad? Actually, BNSF has told ITD and the mayor that they can begin construction while still in negotiations.

Mr. Sletager complains of the byway's effect on neighboring property while his marina docks extend out into Sand Creek past the lease area with the state.

The byway is mostly on dry land and is not the "Freeway in Sand Creek"

Then we have Steve Potter with unknown motives, no stake in this town except a condo at the Seasons and who is president of a business in Oakland, Calif., called "Docupoint."

If ground water is not a problem for his tunnel, why has the Panhandle bank foregone two subsurface levels for their parking garage?

Finally, according to non-Potter sources, most importantly a local engineer, all say a tunnel, while not impossible, would be extremely disruptive, the cost, astronomical.

LAWRENCE FURY

Sandpoint