Good things from Going-to-the-SunLetters to the Editor
Last July, Montana and America celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road. In many ways, the story of the building of Going-to-the-Sun road is the story of early Montana: hard-scrambling men and women who risked life and limb to achieve a vision for a tomorrow that would be better than the past.
As a passionate, life-long supporter of Glacier National Park, it is exciting to see the progress that has been achieved in the past two years toward reconstruction of the historic landmark that is Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road is in dire need of renovation after seventy-five years of use in the harsh climate of Glacier National Park.
Just over eight years ago, I had the opportunity to serve as chair of the Going-to-the-Sun Road Advisory Committee. The committee consisted of a diverse group of stakeholders representing regional businesses, conservationists, everyday citizens, tribal and state governments. We were charged by Montana’s Congressional Delegation to recommend the best approach to the reconstruction project that is now underway.
If I learned one thing from the work of our committee it is just how important keeping Going-to-the-Sun Road open is to our regional economy. The best analogy is a spigot: the moment the road is opened, visitors — and their hard earned dollars — come to Glacier National Park and the surrounding region.
Tourism research shows that over 80 percent of people who visit Northwest Montana identify Glacier National Park as their top reason for coming here. We also know that over 80 percent of the people who enter Glacier drive over Logan Pass.
While the work that has been completed toward reconstruction is heartening, there is a long way to go, and without an additional infusion of federal funds, work on the road will not continue after the upcoming construction season.
An investment in Going-to-the-Sun Road is the perfect example of a project that should be included by Congress in the pending economic stimulus package. These funds will allow reconstruction to continue as scheduled and provide both short-term and long-term economic benefits to the regional economy.
Sen. Baucus’ seniority and role in crafting the highway bill is the major reason reconstruction is where it is today. It is positive to read that Sen. Tester recently cited Going-to-the-Sun Road as a prime example of a shovel-ready project that should be included in the economic stimulus package, and I agree with Congressman Rehberg that stimulus funds should be expended on projects that support long-term economic development. Hopefully their concurrence will translate into positive outcomes for Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and our regional economy.
Randy Ogle
Kalispell
Support SB-81
SB-81 deals with local control verses government control of K-12 education in Montana. SB-81 is an opportunity for the people to choose to ELECT the members of the State Board of Education which has the power over all education issues, regulations and spending. This powerful body is currently appointed as directed by the State Constitution and answers not to the citizens of Montana. Passing SB-81 will allow this issue to be placed on the ballot to choose keeping the power in the hands of elite appointments or changing it to be the hands of elected officials who answer to the citizens. Keep in mind that these officials, whether elected or appointed, spend over 55% of the State’s tax dollars. SB-81 is the very basis of America’s liberties; representation by election. Currently the State Constitution gives the power of the State Board of Education to the appointed elite. Contact your State legislators and urge them to pass SB-81. We, “the people” really are capable of choosing the officials who spend our money and make the laws. Education should not be an exception.
Susan Getz
Helena