Re: The Puzzling New Freeway

[JJSwanberg@aol.com]

During public meetings for "A" Street back in City Supervisor Bill Smith's 
reign, it became clear that the Moscow City Council had planned a project 
that was larger than the community needed.  What began as a tree lined street 
'in need' of some pothole filling, some widening and some lengthening, became 
a wide, treeless speedway with 15 foot retaining walls, no pedestrian 
crossings, no bicycle lanes, no street lights or stop signs. It seems the 
federal government was providing funds only for major community highway 
developments, not to fill potholes or to widen a neighborhood road. The 
Moscow City Council wanted the money, so it planned accordingly.

To add insult to injury, the Moscow City Council also 'saved' street repair 
monies.  Instead of filling potholes all over town, they planned to use 
several years of general street repair money to match the federal funds.  
After public meetings brought this to light, the Feds said "NO" to the use of 
the pothole money as matching funds. The street was repaired and developed on 
a more modest scale using those 'saved' street repair monies.  Larger changes 
for "A" Street remain on the comprehensive city plan, but they are 
considerably more modest and appropriate than the City Council initially 
proposed. Public scrutiny CAN sometimes modify public works to suit the 
community more appropriately.  

I would suggest that if it seems the proposed highway modifications are not 
in keeping with Moscow's needs that to some extent, these plans have been 
made to meet funding specifications.  In some place, in some way, it is 
easier for some one(s) to build the road this way.

Visionaries, shall we develop our area based upon funding requirements or 
based upon our needs?  Do we vote for candidates who develop on a need or a 
funding basis?  Speak up, speak up!

Cheers,
Jennifer