Community Corner

Feds Should Intervene

A Cartersville resident says the federal government should help devise a compromise that would satisfy both sides in the proposed U.S. 411 Connector route debate.

Dear Editor,

Much has been written about the proposed, $280-million route for the U.S. 411 Connector. One item that stands out in this ongoing debate is how many in the community are not opposed to the road, but against GDOT’s overly expensive and environmentally harmful route.

Ironically, this was the case when the state highway department (GDOT) was trying to construct l-75 through Bartow County. At the time, local news reports stated that residents from Rome – along with strong support from six very influential conservation groups and a Shorter College professor – put up fierce resistance to the state’s proposed route over Lake Allatoona.

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According to the articles, Rome claimed the route would cost taxpayers twice as much because it required too many expensive bridges and passed through hilly terrain (which increases excavation costs). Additionally, they believed the road would significantly disrupt the ecology of Lake Allatoona and two parks.

Fortunately for Rome’s alliance of conversation groups and residents, the feds intervened on their behalf and devised a modified route that satisfied both parties.

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Fast forward to 2011 and here we have thousands of residents from Cartersville and several environmental groups opposing a route due to a number of cost, environmental and design issues. Once again, GDOT refuses to care or listen to their concerns or consider suggestions of modified routes. Nevermind the fact that GDOT’s proposed route directly impacts the community, unlike the Rome/I-75 issue.

Before the 411 Connector is tied up in court for several years, I wish the feds would intervene once more and support a modified route that alleviates all of the current issues. It worked in the 1970s and for the sake of the community and taxpayers; it needs to work once more.

Respectfully,

Deborah E. Crass


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