Downtown bypass for $120 million or $1,200
To the editor:
I am writing in regards to the downtown Presque Isle bypass. Yes, I have a personal stake in this matter, as my family farm is one of those that would be ruined by the proposed bypass No. 7.
The goal is to have trucks bypass the downtown area. I get that, and I totally agree. What I don’t get is why you would spend at least $120 million for something you basically already have.
Just north of the proposed bypass, there are two existing exits from the Houlton road to the Centerline road. Take the Centerline Road to the end, and then a right onto the State Street Extension. Go to the end and take a left onto the Fort Road. This will take you over by the mall and reconnect with Route 1 just south of the bridge, thus bypassing downtown PI.
This route is almost a straight shot, and is a shorter distance. And better yet, these roads and bridge are already there and trucks already use them. All you need is some “Truck Detour” or “Bypass” signs (with an arrow pointing the way). Twelve signs at $100 apiece should do, at a cost of $1,200. So spending $120 million for something you already have seems unnecessary, unwarranted and absurd.
With bypass No. 7, all you are doing is destroying the heritage and legacy of the backbone of Aroostook County, the family farmer. I hope to retire to my family farm someday, and if I do, I want to see potatoes, woods, deer, moose and bear in my backyard — not trucks.
If you must spend $120 million, spend it on these existing roads. Presque Isle will have its bypass and we will have our family farms intact. Oh, if it helps, I’ll pay for those $1,200 signs myself and help put them up.
Robert C. McPherson
Seabrook, N.H.
