Letter to the Editor - Great Northern Fair reflects on transportation problems

Friends and Neighbors

Yes, the Great Northern Fair is on the rocks and yes, something needs to be done and I’m confident the community will rise to the occasion.

I served on the Fair Board, 26 years, it was the tremendous support of the community that allowed us to achieve that which we did.

There is the bigger issue that needs to be brought to the fore.

The status of the Great Northern Fair is but one symptom of a much larger problem that Havre and the Hi-Line face.

There is little to no growth, Havre has the same population as in 1974.

Any wonder why enrollment in our schools is declining? Ya see, the demise of communities was precipitated by the completion of Interstate 94 that diverted 40 percent of the traffic away from U.S. Highway 2, which caused businesses to close and people to leave.

Our communities have never recovered.

The Highway 2 Association’s mission addresses the major obstacle to economic development, the lack of an adequate transportation system in the No. 2 corridor. 4 For 2 is the only remedy that will allow communities to compete for businesses.

Fact — polls have shown the No. 1 consideration for businesses that are looking to locate, relocate or expand is, “Is there an adequate transportation system?”

Fact — 80 percent of business locates in or near communities that have four lanes or better.

It is for that reason we have to address the major problem, the lack of an adequate transportation system, 4 For 2, before we can fully resolve local economic issues.

A word of encouragement to the greater Havre community, a quote by Bret Doney, Great Falls Development Authority — “It’s amazing what we can accomplish as a community and region when we put our heads and hearts together to make good things happen.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we remain silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Sivertsen, Havre

President Highway 2 Association