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Show Page 9 MARCH 1,2007 THE GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER HELP SOLVE THE TRUCK PROBLEM Sign up for South Central Communications cellular service and get FREE today! ca " i " 9 between South Central cellular customers. COCC mmXtmim calling from any South Central cellular phone to any South Control landline phone. nationwide long distance calling. simultaneous phone ring. Ring any South Centraltendlinephone and any South Central »llubr phorwatthi umttinrwl * - - . C a l l South Central Comraunkatidms SOUtn CNitFCll totoya'vliKanyofourCrtflirasI COMMUNICATIONS 42 South FtfwrRd 666-0628 tfuuib 248SartM0OE«t 644-2810 (877)688-0828 Cwbrttty 53SS.M*i 867-8616 Hurriont 635-5196 HUdftJ* 45 Worth 100 Wttt 874-2B1D I have been concerned about the impact that coal trucks will have on Panguitch since I read a news article about the Alton Coal Mine. At a recent scoping meeting 1 was fortunate enough to meet Allen Childs, Manager of the Alton Coal Development, LLC who alleviated many of my concerns. The coal is to be used in the western U.S., not shipped abroad (as was planned for the coal on the Kaiparowits Plateau). Trucks are aeronautically designed with a "toaster top" to keep coal dust from flying out. Truck trailers are designed to spread the load and make less impact on highways. Allen Childs was concerned about what he calls "the biggest issue" of trucks not only having to drive through towns, but having to stop and start right in downtown Panguitch. To find that he was on top of the problems and so willing to discuss them made me happier. Mr. Childs not only listened to my concerns, but also when I suggested a solution, he said that he was willing to check out the possibility to see if the idea might work. I am aware that Panguitch leaders like to promote businesses and want all traffic to go downtown. A few years ago when other trucks started using Hwy. 89 and State Road 20, I've heard that UDOT even suggested building an alternate route around Panguitch, but city leaders showed no interest. In the case of 1-53 coal trucks—both loaded and returning unloaded—24 hours a day, 6 days a week, 315 days a year not only going through Panguitch, but also having to stop and start in the middle of town, other options are very necessary. Increased truck traffic the last three years is already destroying the quiet, peaceful, western, pioneer town. Add all the coal trucks and there is a major problem that can damage the image Panguitch has recently earned of being listed on the National Historic Register. The health, safety, and welfare of both citizens and tourists must be considered. I see no economic advantage of all those trucks having to go through town. A trade-off is not necessary; trucks driving through town do not bring economic relief. They cause major problems instead. Private truck HAUL routes do exist around shipping areas such as seaports and train depots. Truck drivers are working and their goal is to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. If a truck has business to do in town, let them come though town. If the driver plans to just . pass through town, they would rather not be slowed down by having to stop in Panguitch or having to worry about the safety issues of someone darting out in front of them in town. For their peace of mind as well as safety for Panguitch citizens and tourists, let the trucks take an alternate haul route around town. The haul route can have a restriction saying its use is limited to large trucks; thereby requiring regular travelers go through Panguitch. Allen Childs did not evenflinchwhen I suggested his company build such a road. He would like to know if anyone but me cares about not having all those trucks come through Panguitch. If no one else, cares, why build an alternate route—just because one person asked for it. If you are concerned, you must contact BLM tjy Feb. 26! WE can make it happen. The more people who request an alternate route around Panguitch, the more impact our voice will have. I suggested a route on the east bench of Panguitch. I like to ride four-wheelers on dirt roads in that area and know that with several existing roads, there must be someright-of-waysfor roads through part of the area. The area is mostly dirt, so to build a road in it would be easier than having to dig through hills of lava rock or big rocks in alluvial fans from canyons. I suspect that a lot of the land might belong to BLM who would cooperate with the company building a haul route through public land. I know of the road to Sanford Canyon going back to Highway 89. YOU READERS are likely far more familiar with the landscape than I am. Think about it, check out the possibility, and suggest a route to Allen Childs through a letter to'BLM befctayfvfohday, Feb. 2$. Your help is needed and much appreciPat Henrie EXIT RED HOCK REALTY Dean Gledhill Realtor ^ - 0 Home: 435-826-4378 "' CcU: 435-616-4378 Office: 435-986-0220 dgledhiU@exitrcdrockrealty.com 5.60 ACRES.secluded in a little cove, lots of pine and juniper trees, power, water and sewer nearby. Escalante/ Utah '$50,000 144 ACRE FARM, Irrigation water, 100 acres in Alfalfa, power and telephone close by. Located 3 miles $400,000. exitredrockrealty. com REAL >nted !'• ; ai |