Letter to the Editor - MDT needs to focus on productive projects on US2

Friends and neighbors,

Happy New Year.

2018 promises to be a great year, rest assured there will be challenges, that’s life.

I contend, “With every challenge comes opportunity.”

The Highway 2 Association continues pressing for Highway 2 upgrades

— 4 for 2 —which is the prerequisite to enhancing the economic viability of communities off the U.S. 2 corridor.

One of our objectives has been working with Montana Department of Transportation toward commonsense, cost-effective Highway projects.

The voice of the people was able to stop the ill-conceived, wasteful Grass Range roundabout project.

We have a new challenge — MDT plans to construct two roundabouts on Highway 2 in Poplar at a cost of $10 million.

We have proposed a commonsense, cost effective alternative that addresses the highway issues in Poplar for one-third the cost.

We then propose dedicating the balance for Highway 2 upgrades from Wolf Point to Culbertson.

I had asked MDT to schedule a public hearing, but they declined, so leaders in Poplar have scheduled a hearing 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, to be held at the Cultural Center in Poplar.

This provides another opportunity for the voice of the people to be heard.

It is my hope that we can have a great turnout

Thanks,

Bob Sivertsen

President Highway 2 Association