Idaho Highway 12 (Lewiston, Orofino, Victor: taxes, costs, lawsuit)

[strudel42]

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Keim, there's been a lot of development on that story, about the megaload trucks along the Lochsa (and 12 runs along the Lochsa); the locals are fighting for all they're worth, trying to have the trucks stopped.

Edited: I tried to put in three links to the Spokesman-Review articles from August, but all of them were dead. I'll try to find something recent about the story; the upshot was that because of local protests, the situation was being reconsidered.

Here's an AP story that appeared in The Missoulian: Lawyers debate legality of big rigs on Highway 12 before Idaho Supreme Court

I was wondering what you all Idahoans thought about this. I don't understand why this is going through the state courts instead of federal -- of course I'm no lawyer. But considering 12 is a federal highway, passes through federal land, and that this seems to involve the issue of interstate commerce, I would think it is a federal matter. Montana's senators have said they will not interfere as they do not believe they have jurisdiction (although my suspicion is that it's because they are in the pocket of the oil cos.).

Besides the cost to alter infrastructure to let the trucks through, and the inconvenience to hundreds (thousands?) of residents (who will have to have their electricity shut off whilst the trucks are passing), plus the potential for roadway AND environmental damage -- IMO, they have no business attempting this journey.

Oops, sorry, that was kind of a rant. Opinions, please -- what does everyone think?

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Tanker crash dumps fuel near Lochsa River - Spokesman.com - Oct. 1, 2010

An estimated 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel from a crashed tanker has spilled into a ditch on the side of U.S. Highway 12 but has not yet seeped into the nearby Lochsa River, authorities said Thursday

Update:
Diesel spill hasn
[The link is working. "Diesel spill hasn't reached Lochsa River, officials say"]

Idaho State Police Capt. Lonnie Richardson tells the Lewiston Tribune that the fuel appears to have pooled in caverns under the highway.

But what about next time? This is what I think...

[Keim]

I live in Moscow and work in Lewiston. I haven't run into very many people that are in favor of this proposal.

I am very familiar with the narrow, twisty road in question and I think the plan is ... MORONIC.

It is a great example of a corporations legal dept. taking advantage of some poorly written Idaho laws to get their way.

Frankly I am surprised the Nez Perce tribe doesn't give the gas company a tussle. They also go right through the Rez.

[MeInIdaho]

Well since you asked, I'm totally against it. I realize that much of Canada's oil ends up in our vehicles, but still. I don't understand why our infastructure is being compromised at all. Canada has roads and ports. Why can't they just get what they need some other way? I know, I'm sure it's all about money, but it seems very shortsighted for Idaho to allow such a thing.

[Grumbler]

US-12 between Kooskia and Lolo is a popular motorcycle route during the riding season. Usually did it
as an overnighter while going clockwise from Boise to Missoula or Hamilton via Grangeville. However,
by the time we arrive in Kooskia for lunch, the temperatures have climbed along with more congestion.

The best way to experience it, in my opinion, is to go west from Lolo to Kooskia in the morning. Have
also heard that St. Joe River Road between St. Maries and Avery is comparable albeit without the
traffic issues.

[strudel42]

This is worth checking out. Gives an overview of the scope of the proposed project as well as the size of the shipments.
YouTube - BigRig.mp4

Hwy 12 is very popular with motorcyclists. I used to work in a motel in Missoula and was surprised how many people came from all over the country to do that ride. Didn't realize anyone outside of the area even knew about it.

[mistyriver]

Seems like Governor Otter is working overtime to get this through. I hope it's defeated.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by strudel42

This is worth checking out. Gives an overview of the scope of the proposed project as well as the size of the shipments.
Hwy 12 is very popular with motorcyclists. I used to work in a motel in Missoula and was surprised how many people came from all over the country to do that ride. Didn't realize anyone outside of the area even knew about it.

Strudel,
Thanks so much for posting that video--the impact of the proposal is far worse than I thought. What a future nightmare, and only to the benefit of foreign companies . I do hope enough people in ID and MT respond to the websites and phone numbers listed at the end of the video.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

More closed-door shenanigans:

More mega-loads proposed for Highway 12 - Spokesman.com - Oct. 8, 2010

[MeInIdaho]

Thanks for that link Strudel! I read about those close door meetings last week too! It's shameful what they'll do for a dollar.