Consider wildlife before extending highway

The pristine Rock Island Preserve is about to undergo drastic change if the Iowa Department of Transportation has its way. It seems the DOT will have an unexpected $215 million left over at the end of this fiscal year. It intends to use some of those funds to push ahead on the plan to extend Highway 100 through the Rock Island Preserve. Wasn't it just a few months ago when the possibility of a gas tax increase was being discussed? And now, suddenly, the DOT has this “extra” money available? Is there something wrong with this picture?

Aside from monetary implications of this highway construction, it is paramount to remember that this four-lane highway is to be constructed right through the middle of one of Linn County's most unusual natural areas. There are a number of plant and animal species that are unique to the sand prairie habitat contained within the preserve. It will be difficult, if not impossible, for wildlife to live safely in such proximity to the traffic on this highway.

Local leaders seem to give lip service to the preservation of green space and environmentally sensitive areas. When given an opportunity to do the right thing, they all too frequently make a choice that harms the long-term preservation of natural areas. Our leaders might call it progress, but some of us call it shortsighted.

Elwood Garlock

Cedar Rapids