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Options for failing roads

Dear Editor:

Each commissioner in Limestone County should wake up every morning thinking, “I am going to do the best job possible for my district today.” Commissioners do not work for the Rogers Group, Bama Concrete or anyone other than the citizens of Limestone County.

Putting aside for the moment the welfare of the rock quarry residents and the manner in which we got the quarry, there is only one relevant question, and it pertains to the roads: “Are Newby and Gray suitable for the truck traffic we are allowing on them?” The obvious answer is, “No, they are failing.”

Let’s not assume the Rogers Group problem and go searching for more money to deal with the failures. Let’s go to the Rogers Group and tell them they have a problem and ask what they are going to do about it.

If Mr. Mahaffey does not want to give them an easement on his own quarry, they can arrange an additional lease. If that does not work, we should investigate the possibility of the city of Huntsville condemning enough property for a road. If that does not work, we should weight-limit the road.

If the Rogers Group wants to sue Limestone County for stopping them from destroying its roads, so be it. I am not an attorney, but I believe we can win that one.

Sincerely,

Danny Barksdale

Athens