Letter to the Editor: Route D-VE a Waste of Money?

To the Editor, Cartersville Patch

In the past several weeks the media has reported on the Northwest Georgia Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) project list and all the benefits it could bring to the region.  The list sounds promising on the surface.  However, the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) proposed for the U.S. 411 Connector, one of the T-SPLOST projects, could waste more than $100 million of taxpayer money. 

This is one of more than 100 proposed T-SPLOST regional projects that will waste a colossal amount of taxpayer money -- that is, if GDOT does not select a cheaper, more efficient route.  I wonder how much tax money we are about to throw away on other T-SPLOST road projects that have not been closely vetted?

As most realize, GDOT does not have the best track record for finding the most cost effective and practical transportation solutions.  Look no further than the current 411 Connector debacle.

Common sense says a lengthier road, building twice the number of bridges, constructing a very expensive interchange at I-75/SR-20 and excavating through a mountain create a recipe for disaster for taxpayers.  Who knows what environmental harm and clean-up might be associated with acidic drainage from the proposed road cut through Dobbins Mountain (which has yet to be studied by GDOT).

Is this the kind of "planning" we can expect with our T-SPLOST dollars?  If so, the region needs to vote NO for next year's T-SPLOST ballot initiative.

Sincerely,

Rebecca McGuire

Cartersville GA  30121