This article first appeared in the Tulsa World.
Navigation system endangered
By World's Editorial Writers
Published: 5/4/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 5/4/2009 3:54 AM
Among the
major public infrastructure projects around here in need of major
repairs is the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System, a vital economic
artery that pumps millions into the state's economy each year, and
which is especially important to the Tulsa area.
According to a recent report, the navigation system is facing an $80
million backlog in critical needs and another $162 million in deferred
maintenance.
According to Glen Cheatham Jr., waterways branch manager for
the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, there is a 50-50 chance of a
structure along the system failing within the next five years.
Such a failure would necessitate shutting down the entire
system, which is a major freight movement corridor connecting northeast
Oklahoma with the Mississippi River. Closing down the waterway would
cost Oklahoma businesses an estimated $1.3 million a day.
Officials say 20 structures are in need of critical repairs. A
mechanism for funding maintenance so such needs don't become so extreme
is being sought by the system's managers.
We've seen it happen again and again in this country: Massive,
vital public works that are critical to the nation's well-being and
commerce are envisioned, engineered and constructed, only to be allowed
to fall into disrepair.
Remember the interstate bridge collapse in Minneapolis that
resulted in unnecessary tragedies and drastically affected that region
for months? How many such incidents need to occur before we finally
learn the lesson of taking care
of our most important public assets?
Posted on
Mon, May 4, 2009
by Crystal Drwenski