Has Lamborn talked to locals?
Dear Editor:
In the last week, congressman Doug Lamborn issued a statement of support for Christo's proposed OTR project.
He repeated the falsehood this project will take place in one summer. The plan Christo submitted to the Bureau of Land Management outlines a project spanning three years.
It will result in major disruptions to traffic on U.S. 50, an important transportation corridor for commerce, recreation and local residents.
He lauded the OTR projected economic benefits, but seemingly hasn't read Christo's Web site which states 8 percent of the hoped-for economic benefits will accrue to the Arkansas River Valley whereas the area will sustain 100 percent of negative impacts.
Congressman Lamborn apparently believes 1,100 drilling days, nearly a half-million people clogging a narrow canyon through two weeks and installation of nearly 9,000 anchors into the river edge using industrial-strength equipment are nothing but "challenges to the local community."
Those who care about safety, economy and environment of our area see it as far more. We see it as a serious abuse and misuse of public lands and facilities.
I am greatly disappointed by his expression of support for OTR without any evidence he or his staff has done a full analysis of the project potential impacts on the area.
Or worse yet, without contacting area residents and groups with contrary opinions based upon careful, thorough examination and analysis of the facts. As constituents, we deserve more than a human megaphone for an out-of-state promoter.
Anyone who wants information about this project should visit the BLM Web site to view Christo's plan as submitted.
For a concise review of the plan, see the ROAR Web site http://roarcolorado.org for detailed comments submitted to the BLM.
Ellen T. Bauder, Ph.D.,
Salida
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