On Sept. 2, the county’s Board of Adjustment convened to discuss a grade variance on our county road. La Plata County code specifies a maximum allowable grade of 8.0 percent on County Road 120N. At this hearing, GCC Energy convinced the board to allow over 300 semi-trucks per day, weighing as much as 85,000 pounds, to circumvent the code.
The trucks drive a steep hill on CR 120N that has a 9 percent grade. When large trucks and passenger cars share a hazardous road, these heavily loaded semis pose a significant risk to other drivers. When you factor in ice, snow, wildlife and blind curves with the 9 percent grade the risks are incalculable. The board provided no professional analysis defining these risks.
Locals were allowed to comment on the safety and dangerous driving conditions that arise from granting GCC Energy the privilege of bypassing this critical code. However, when we presented our rationale for opposition, our concerns and then offered solutions, these were entirely ignored by the board. Resident testimony was met with rude indifference.
It was evident that before the meeting started, a decision had already been reached and the agreement made to allow the variance.
The county failed to meet its own mission statement:
“The mission of the Planning Department is to provide land use, resource management and leadership services to residents, landowners and businesses so they can experience a prosperous, vibrant and beautiful community supported by a fair and equitable planning process.”
We, La Plata County residents, expect county boards and departments to hear and understand our concerns and respond equitably and fairly. The process must give all residents an equal say in how our community is used. Driving CR 120N should not be hazardous simply because code requirements are inconvenient.
Jean Graham, Paula Mathias and Julie McCue
Hesperus
