Letter: Dedicate ticket revenue to Cedar Lake

In my frequent trips through Cedar Rapids on Interstate 380, two thoughts come to mind. The first concerns the controversial speed cameras. This program has cast an unfavorable light on Cedar Rapids to out-of-town travelers. My second thought concerns Cedar Lake, whose beauty and potential is in full view to those same motorists.

The Friends of Cedar Lake is embarking on an ambitious plan to bring this quiet gem back to life. The two major impediments to the plan are the need for a title transfer of the lake site from Alliant Energy to the city, and uncertainty as to the sources of funding for the estimated $8.8 million price tag for the restoration effort.

The city budget includes $4.7 million in ticket revenue from the camera enforcement program. Those funds are deposited into the city's general fund. Representing only a small portion of the city's budget, this revenue is not a difference-maker to the city's finances. If this revenue were instead dedicated to the Cedar Lake project, imagine what a difference this would make to the lake restoration and beautification effort.

Seeing this money applied to a positive use might change the impression of motorists toward the use of the cameras. What a win-win opportunity this would be for the city and its residents. And chalk up a win for Alliant Energy, whose act of generosity in donating the land would long be remembered by lake enthusiasts and the continual stream of I-380 travelers.

Thomas Pence

Hiawatha