Editor,
The Go North Alliance—a coalition of citizens, business owners, and groups who are advocating for an updated Northern Alternative Route for Corridor H north of the towns of Thomas and Davis—states that they are pleased that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has included a northern route in their Notice of Intent planning document which is open for public comment until March 27. See the Notice of Intent and supplementary documents at go-northcorridorh.org/informational-material
The Go North Alliance says the Northern Alternative Route would avoid historic and environmental resources around the treasured Blackwater Canyon region.
“We are delighted that the FHWA has recognized that the 1970s-era “preferred route” for Corridor H is way out of date. We don’t need giant eyesores in our most important tourist areas,” said Alliance members Saundra Goss and Walt Ranalli of Sirianni’s Cafe in Davis.
“A Northern Alternative Route will protect our region’s growing tourism economy,” Ranalli continued. “But the current preferred route, known as the ROPA, would damage the history, ecology, and community of the Thomas and Davis and Blackwater Canyon region. We want to maintain the integrity of the current outdoor recreational experience and our small-town charm.”
A public meeting to view plans for the alternative route at the Tucker County High School is scheduled for February 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.