LETTERS: GET THE FACTS ABOUT SCENIC-BYWAY PLAN

To the editor:

Your Dec. 6 editorial regarding the Crowley's Ridge Scenic Byway was very disappointing. It failed to reflect the facts in the case. The byway is an outgrowth of local citizens in three counties, not any governmental body. Many citizens looking to better their counties worked very hard over the past six to eight weeks on this project. There were public meetings every other week. Many citizens volunteered their valuable time to gather the necessary information to implement this beneficial program.

The most important fact that is misstated by uninformed individuals is that the Crowley's Ridge Scenic Byway would affect landowners in Stoddard, Dunklin and Scott counties. The fact is the byway applies to the roadway right-of-way only. All the facts were presented and concerns answered very clearly at the Dec. 2 meeting in Dexter. Where were the "troubled people" before who showed up only for the last meeting? Why did they not come to the other six public meetings where all the hard work was done? There was ample time to learn the facts before the Dexter meeting, If one were interested in the truth rather than rumors.

The counties in Arkansas that are enjoying the tourism-dollar benefits from their portion of Crowley's Ridge Scenic Byway must be laughing all the way to the bank at the stupid dispute in Southeast Missouri. There will be a public hearing early in January on this, and everyone is urged to attend and to learn the truth. Based on the facts, let's get behind this opportunity and move forward as soon as possible.

MARGARET CLINE HARMON

President

Scott County Historical and Genealogical Society

Benton