Letters to the editor: 07/12/01

'Fatherhood' series appreciated

To the Editor:

They were set apart on the page and given such a prominent position in the layout. I have received much positive feedback about the articles (even one letter in the mail!), so I know that people noticed them and read them.

We appreciated so much your willingness to not only print the articles, but also the pictures of the Father's Day card contest winners. We are fortunate to have a local newspaper that is willing to help us promote awareness and enrich the role of fathers in our community. Thank you again for all you do.

Sincerely,

Gayle Woody

Health Education Specialist

Jackson County

Department of

Public Health

Southern Loop feasibility study approved

To the Editor:

Building a highway is a lengthy process, one that can take from seven to 10 years. Many factors must be considered before construction begins - including need, traffic demand, public input, funding, location for the highway, environmental, aesthetic and community impacts and right-of-way acquisition. I want to explain how this process works and how citizens can be involved in planning highways in their area.

First, in 1993, local officials asked the department to study highway needs 20-25 years in the future based on projected population growth and traffic counts and to provide solutions to possible highway congestion. Based on this information and after 11 months of study, state engineers produced a "Thoroughfare Plan" for Sylva and Dillsboro that showed the need for a new southern route. This proposed route would help alleviate traffic congestion along N.C. 107 bound for Western Carolina University and truck traffic off of Main Street in Sylva.

Second, after a thoroughfare plan is produced, the department conducts a feasibility study to see how and where such a route could be constructed. N.C. DOT staff investigates all possibilities and makes recommendations on specific routes that would protect natural resources and minimize impacts on residents. This is where we are now in the process with years of environmental studies and public workshops before a decision is made to build a new loop around Sylva.

Last month the department included a feasibility study for a South Sylva Bypass in the 2002-08 Transportation Improvement Plan - the department's blueprint for statewide transportation projects during the next seven years. N.C. DOT staff will begin studying all corridors from U.S. 23/441 south of Dillsboro to U.S. 23 Business east of Sylva that will help alleviate congestion along N.C. 107.

Once the feasibility study is completed in 2002, the N.C. DOT staff will hold public meetings so that citizens and local officials can have an active voice in their transportation network. Only then will a decision be made whether or not to proceed with the proposed project.

If the decision is made to build the highway, the next steps would include funding, public workshops and hearings and designing the highway. During this time, N.C. DOT staff would study the protection of endangered species, water quality, historical landmarks and obtain permits from resource agencies. The department also would begin surveying, appraising and negotiating for right of way with property owners. This process alone can take up to five years.

We are in the beginning stages of this project, and nothing is set in stone. However, it is important for citizens to take an active role in transportation planning. I encourage citizens to review the Thoroughfare Plan, which is available at the N.C. DOT Division Office, located along N.C. 116 in Sylva, and to attend future public meetings.

You can decide what your community will look like and how traffic will flow in the next 20 years. I welcome the opportunity to talk one-on-one with citizens about this and other projects in the area. I can be reached at 586-2141 in Sylva.

Sincerely,

Ron Watson, P.E.

14th Division Engineer

N.C. Department of

Transportation

Cell phones, towers save lives

To the Editor:

Using cell phones, we now have the greatest numbers of accident reporting observers in the history of humans. But we also have the most accidents and emergencies in the history of the world. We also have a few short sighted "bitchers" or objectors - the people who object to having to look past a cell phone tower will change their mind, if and when one of their family members is involved in a heart failure or accident, and their life depends on getting the person to medical emergency services.

Cell phones have saved hundreds of lives. Cell phones make searches for lost children or hikers or older citizens (which includes me) who become disoriented easier.

As our vehicles become faster and we move in more of a hurry, these situations will only get worse. If a family member or friend is the victim, and the cell phone results in saving that person's life, you will forever be a friend of a cell tower.

My past includes performing radio communications from freighters during hurricanes, airplanes during emergencies, and automobiles, including cars running into a canal and people drowning in Ft. Lauderdale. I do not claim to know it all, but I have witnessed several hundred lives being saved by quick action.

The next time you spout off and do not want a cell phone tower in your area, remember that one day the life that gets saved may be yours. Then you can change your mind, but it will be too late to have saved others.

Thank you,

Frank Young

Cullowhee

Back to Archive: 07/12/01.