Must've Struck A Nerve Somewhere

Crossposted @ http://www.greenmountaindaily.com/

This letter was in response to a previous post/letter to editor by yours truly about the Grand Isle Drawbridge. It was in the local Islander paper. Must've struck a nerve if I elicited a response from Neale Lunderville, Douglas's Campaign Manager, I mean The Secretary of Transportation. Even more interesting that Senator Mazza a democrat also put his name on the letter. Don't worry boy's, you'll have my response coming your way soon enough!

"To the Editor,

Work to rehabilitate the North Hero/Grand Isle Draw bridge is now complete. On behalf of everyone involved, we want to thank Islanders for their patience and cooperation during the past several months as crews worked on this important project.

We also want to thank Jason Brisson for his kind words in a recent letter to the editor regarding the men and women who worked on the bridge. Their efforts were indeed exemplary. Unfortunately the letter distorted the process by which the Agency of Transportation will plan future bridge work, and we would like to take a moment to set the record straight.

Throughout the process that led to the recent emergency repair, the local Select Boards and town managers were kept in the loop. Agency of Transportation engineers offered to travel to the islands to meet with selectmen during public meetings, but the boards instead elected to be kept abreast through phone calls, letters and e-mails. There was always a standing offer to attend a public meeting if selectmen believed that necessary.

Mr. Brisson's letter asked what's next? He then questioned why he has yet to hear about future bridge repairs, and why there have been no public meetings to inform Islanders about the Agency's plans.

The answer is simple: there are no plans at this time so there is nothing as of yet to report. The rehabilitation that was just completed will keep traffic moving safely over this important bridge for the next decade or two.

VTran's staff put significant time and resources into the bridge rehabilitation that was just completed. The work was done during one of the most difficult winters in memory and completed in time for the upcoming nautical season. The paint is barely dry. As engineers concept what might be next for this bridge, Islanders and their local government officials will certainly be involved.

Neale Lunderville,
Secretary Agency of Transportation
Dick Mazza,
Senator Grand Isle"