Sun Road should be in stimulus package

Last July, Montana and America celebrated the 75th anniversary of the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road. In many ways, the story of the building of 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, lifelong supporter of Glacier National Park, it’s exciting to see the progress that has been achieved in the past two years toward reconstruction of the historic landmark. The road is in dire need of renovation after 75 years of use in the harsh climate of Glacier 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, and 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’s just how important keeping 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 Park and the surrounding region. 

Tourism research shows that over 80 percent of people who visit Northwest Montana identify Glacier Park as their top reason for coming here. We also know that more than 80 percent of the people who enter Glacier Park 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 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. Max 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. Jon Tester recently cited 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 Rep. Denny 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, the Going-to-the-Sun Road and our regional economy.

Randy Ogle is a resident of Kalispell.