Neighbors,
Supervisor John McKay is proposing to extend Belle Fontaine Rd. straight north to old Spanish Trail. This will eliminate our need to travel on Hamil Farm Road which floods during heavy rain, eliminate the elbow turn north of the new causeway bridge on Belle Fontaine Rd where people sometimes slide off the road, and give our growing area population a faster, more reliable, and safer means to evacuate in the event of a hurricane.

To help pay for the construction, McKay is attempting to have some federal evacuation funds diverted from Highway 57 improvement. Senator Lott supports the diversion of some funds but Congressman Gene Taylor declines to support it. It seems he doesn't oppose it but so far he declines to take action to take action necessary for diversion of the funds. Therefore,we need to discuss it. If enough of us are discussing this, we will get Gene's attention and he will probably come here for a town meeting to discuss what should be done. Also, after our discussion, each of us needs to send Gene a fax to demonstrate the breath and depth of our concern. To fax Gene, you can use the following link:

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genfax.html?nid=410872794&nneighid=485607453&nsupercity=404978840

By Al Pettigrew

Bell Fontaine Rd extention to 57

The Board of Supervisors makes an annual trip to Washington to request funding for county projects. This year we requested funding for the Bell Fontaine/Hwy 57 extension. Funding has been denied. The reason given for the denial was that money already had been allocated for the Hwy 57 widening project which starts north of I-10. But, according to MDOT, actual work on this project will not start for another 10 years. I asked Congressman Taylor to reallocate Hwy 57 dollars or pointed out a different funding source that is available for this project so that this extension can be completed within the next two years. I stated to Congressman Taylor that a great need for this project is a hurricane evacuation route which could save lives in the event of a major storm and it would also increase traffic flow and public safety.
I encourage each of you to contact Congressman Taylor if you believe this project could be vital to your area. I?’m sure that it appears that this request seems to be coming from just another elected official and just another project. You and I both know how vital this roadway will be to your area in the event of a major storm.
If I can answer any questions, please give me a call.

Invitation to Congressman Taylor

Today, I sent Gene a fax inviting him to have a townhall meeting in the St. Andrews neighborhood at his earliest convenience. I also invited him to address in this discussion string what he can do to help obtain federal funding for the Belle Fontaine Rd. extension.

By Al Pettigrew

Hamil Farm Road Escape Route

Al,

I have known of this proposed project for over a year from friends and others in the know. I thought this was more or less a done deal? I expected this soon after the the new access bridge was completed.

The Belle Fontaine curve is a dangerous area, having hurt people/damaged many vehicles during periods of fog, rain, recklessness and drinking. In the public interest, I should think that this is a necessary action to protect the public welfare. Often I have thought why this curve was placed in it's physical form?

I have high respect for Congressman Taylor. On the other hand I don't always support his views. I do beleive that he will respond to our views and comments on this matter given that we put sufficient interest on this matter.

Regards,

Buz Allen