Dear Editor
The ratepayers of the Rural Municipality of Moose Creek (RM) have the opportunity to make the decision on whether to spend $1.9 million on a six-mile paving project when they vote on May 2, 2011.
The RM has proposed to pave six miles of Provincial Highway 361, west from Highway No 9. The share of the cost to be paid by the RM is $1.9 million ( Saskatchewan is paying the other 70 % of the cost). The RM has outlined the reasons they think the paving project should proceed in a March 23, 2011 mailout to ratepayers.
A number of ratepayers question whether the $1.9 million commitment on just six miles of pavement is the best use of ratepayers' money.
The RM's reasons for the paving project include that it supports economic development and that it will
move some traffic from gravel roads in the vicinity to a paved Provincial Highway 361, thereby reducing road maintenance costs.
However the economic activities in the RM (mainly oil and agriculture) are occurring throughout the RM. The oil development will occur where the oil is located and will not be impacted by a paved Provincial Highway 361. Both the oil and agriculture industries need good heavy-haul roads throughout the RM - not just a six-mile paving project in one part of the RM. And the current Provincial Highway 361 is already the best east-west road in the area and is already attracting as much traffic from other east-west roads in the vicinity as it will if paved. Paving it will not not reduce maintenance costs on area roads.
A $1.9 million commitment to six miles of road represents about two years of RM expenditures on roads and road maintenance. Is this the appropriate use of so much ratepayers' money?
A number of RM ratepayers think that the $1.9 million would be better used to ensure we have the
appropriate heavy-haul roads in all parts of the RM. Some of it could be used to restore roads throughout the RM that have been damaged due to the wet conditions last fall and this spring. And some of it could be used to help address dust control issues throughout the RM for those ratepayers living on roads with heavy truck and other traffic.
Some ratepayers also think that if paving Provincial Highway 361 is a provincial priority, that the Provincial Government should pay the full cost. It is a Provincial Highway, not a municipal road.
If you want to make your views known - whether for the paving project or against the paving project - vote on May 2 (advance poll April 27) at the RM Office.
A "YES" vote rejects the paving project.
A "NO" vote supports the paving project.
Harold Cushon
483-2004
