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Myth vs Fact
This site has dealt primarily with the traffic and economic impacts of "Over the River," especially during the 2.5 years of construction and months of removal along US Highway 50 in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. As a result of our original in-depth analysis and exposure of Christo's major construction and highway-blocking schedule, OTR engineers submitted a completely new equipment and lane-management plan. However, this plan was submitted the last day of possible public comment, precluding any analysis or input by affected residents and businesses.
We performed another analysis on this new construction plan anyway, finding that the problems remain and raise new safety issues that need analysis. Our findings were presented to Colorado Dept. of Transportation. Agreeing with our concerns, they encouraged us to submit the report to BLM. Because CDOT recommended we submit it, we trust that BLM has included these considerations in their analysis for the Final EIS.
On another front, permitting agency Colorado State Parks apparently violated many of their own statutes and permitted partner agreements by approving a Memorandum of Agreement with OTR Corporation (June 24, 2011). In exchange for $550,000, the MOA grants OTR and Christo full access and control over the Arkansas River State Park and Recreation Area for up to 5 years if BLM approves the project. In other words, State Parks (a now defunct agency newly combined with the Wildlife Commission, which unanimously rejected OTR!) sold our State Park and put every permitted business partner in financial jeopardy.
Can you say "Lawsuit"? As a result of this inappropriate action, Colorado State Parks and the newly-formed combined agency has been sued. All of this for the ego of one man, someone who is not even a Colorado citizen. Public land, supported by taxes and user fees, has been sold (essentially) to a private individual for his profit.
Info and Action
Want to learn more? Want to help the volunteer effort to right this wrong? Follow these links:
Read the lawsuit press release. (pdf download)
Read the lawsuit "Complaint." (pdf download)
Get the latest info at our partner site, www.roarcolorado.org. You may also join ROAR, or simply donate toward their legal expenses. (MAY be tax-deductible. Check with your tax preparer.)
THANK YOU! |
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