To the editor:

The federal government and KDOT have announced their latest “preferred alignment” for this new four-lane freeway that will be 300 feet east of the existing U.S. 59. The existing 59 highway will remain in its present form and in no way be a part of the new four-lane freeway. Both alignment choices, the 300 feet east and the one mile east alignment, consume 1,360 acres. This latest freeway choice will cost us taxpayers $11 million more and also destroy 33 of the homes that now border the east side of the existing 59 highway.

We must act now by contacting KDOT, or any of our political representatives. Don’t think this doesn’t affect you! The taxes we pay on fuel, consumer goods, property and state and federal income will be used to pay this $11 million mistake. Instead that $11 million could be used on education, increased Highway Patrol and social service programs that are all presently being cut. It is these $11 million mistakes that demand the attention of our new governor and legislators. Contact them immediately or prepare to see our tax base increase and our state services decline.

Steve and Lori Krysztof,

Baldwin