To the editor:

I’d like to address a few of the obvious problems associated with the proposed 32nd Street alignment of the South Lawrence Trafficway from a legal and logistical standpoint.

First, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are mandated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to avoid and/or minimize wetland impacts. According to the draft EIS, the 32nd Street option would affect upwards of 100 acres of wetland area compared to 50 acres with the 42nd Street option. The 42nd Street option would obviously minimize wetland impacts.

Second, federal agencies must take into account the concerns of American Indians in projects such as these. The proposed 32nd Street option includes a realignment of 31st Street adjacent to Haskell Indian Nations University property in addition to the construction of a four- to six-lane trafficway through the Baker-Haskell wetlands. In addition to the direct impacts to these wetlands of spiritual and historical significance, the noise and air pollution associated with some eight lanes of traffic adjacent to HINU property would far exceed current impacts. The 42nd Street option avoids these impacts.

Lastly, from a land-use planning perspective, it does not seem logical to build a “bypass” that goes through a city. The 42nd Street option would seem to satisfy our transportation needs without the environmental and cultural ramifications.

Given these considerations, the choice seems obvious of where NOT to put the trafficway. The proposed 42nd Street alignment minimizes wetland impacts, largely avoids cultural conflicts, and satisfies the stated purpose and need of the project.

Todd Aschenbach

Lawrence