TD's track record raises concerns with byway

Re Judge Mitchell’s rejection of Ralph Sletager’s construction hazard suit (against ITD’s propose byway project for lack of evidence).

I know very little about law, but on my first day in statistics class I learned the best predictor of future performance is how you’ve done in the past. Here are some examples of ITD’s recent past performance in our area. You be the judge.

First is the Highway 95 north project. Estimated completion time: Two years. Actual completion time: seven years from initial survey to completion. The original proposed distance from Kootenai Cutoff Road to mile 485. The actual distance 483.5.

There was a major screw up in the Kmart area boghole. There were 200,000 yards of fill deposited in 1994, the 200,000 yards of fill was removed in 1995 and was then replaced with cedar chips.

The cost of the boghole screw-up was paid for by cheating the taxpayer out of 1.5 miles of highway and paving on 4-minus rock rather than a layer of 1-minus which the specs called for. The result was a poor shaving job that continues to jeopardize public safety due to hydroplaning.

Second example is the north hill project near Bonners Ferry. ITD denuded a steep hillside adjacent to the project in 1998. In spring 1999, the hillside gave way burying Highway 95 for 1.5 months. Fortunately, there were no fatalities but businesses lost revenue and productivity in the millions for Bonners Ferry.

ITD’s official conclusion: The cause is under investigation. The taxpayer absorbed all costs. Third example: The Highway 95 south project near Lake Lake Coeur d’Alene and Mica Creek. Ron Krezenbeck, EPA administrator states: the ITD violated the Clean Water Act 170 times, commenting, “it’s hard to imagine more egregious violations.” Complaints came from area residents, business and municipalities, even the Postal Service. As a result, the ITD paid, excuse me, you paid $1.7 million in fines.

After reviewing the facts, it is difficult to believe ITD would be capable of a complex project like the byway without a major screw up. it is easy for me to believe businesses like the Sletager marina would be jeopardized and public safety compromised by ITD, not only because of incompetence, but also because of blantant disregard for the law as evidenced in the Mica Bay affair.

ITD is out of control and needs to be reined in by an independent authority. They have a blatant and arrogant disregard for the law because there are no consequences for them. They enjoy a unique arrangement in any criminal justice system. You the taxpayer are punished for their crimes. But oh well, they have a bridge to sell you and I guess you are buying. I am not.

DANIEL HEINTZ

Sagle