Larry R. Branson
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I have lived in the Jefferson City area for most of my 65 years. I have always enjoyed nature in general and the accompanying activities especially Missouri's bounty of fishing, hunting, nature trails, lakes, streams and rivers. I have staunchly supported the Missouri Department of Conservation, JC Parks & Recreation, and county parks.
However, I find it impossible to get on board with the new Adrian's Island project, including the Bicentennial Bridge. I understand that most of the initial expenses are from philanthropic donations and I commend those generous individuals. My concern comes from the long-term expense to the citizenry. All of us who have lived here for years are fully aware of the constant/repetitive flooding of the Missouri River. Once we have a Bicentennial Bridge and develop Adrian's Island, every time it floods it will be the local taxpayers that will pay for the cleanup and rebuilding of the damaged property. This will happen over and over, year after year and saddle the taxpayers with the ongoing expenses. Constantly we are hearing from city, county and state governments that we have no money in the budget for this or that yet we are ready and willing to add this pet project that will saddle me, my children, my grandchildren and so on with its ongoing expenses every time the river rises.
Again, I do commend those with ideas, work and philanthropy, but I cannot help but to believe given the long-term ongoing costs, these dollars and ideas could not find a better location to provide an outdoor experience making better use of our limited taxpayer monies.