To the editor:
Recent letters from Richard Smith (Aug. 16) and George Lauppe (Aug. 8) seem to suggest that those opposed to paving the wetlands are making up stories that this place is spiritually important to Native Americans. I know otherwise.
In 2003, I made my way out to the center of the wetlands to attend a ceremony honoring Pvt. Lori Piestewa. This was shortly after she became the first woman soldier killed in the Iraq War. I have physical disabilities that make it very difficult to walk the half mile of rough puddled pathway out there. I carried a vial of holy water to celebrate the Catholic beliefs of that Hopi mother of two. I know Lori also believed that the spirits of her ancestors returned to the land in falling raindrops. She was born into the Water Clan. When an early snow fell at her memorial service, her brother said it was Lori's spirit returning home.
The wetlands site was chosen in part because so many Haskell warriors had been sent off to battle from there with "War Journey" ceremonies, what Mr. Lauppe called "49 social dances." Kiowa introduced other Haskell students to this tradition in the 1890s, back when government officials were determined to suppress it, especially among the young. I have been told it was about publicly expressing promises to those who go into harm's way that they would never be forgotten.
I will certainly never forget the sense I had of standing in the midst of a place filled with spiritual power. It is hard to see how anyone could believe this wetlands would be the same, or better, with the South Lawrence Trafficway running through it.
Susan Tabor,
Lawrence
Comments
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merrill (anonymous) says…
This roadway could easily be moved futher south to prevent taxpayers from being subjected to another bypass south of the river which is already being discussed. Yes this matter came up at a county commission discussion by former county commissioner Louie McElheney not so long ago. How many do Douglas County taxpayers want to pay for? Is it time to raise taxes? Practical thinking says build one and take it south of the river out of the wetlands to accomodate the new growth. WE do not need two.
Considering how tight KDOT money is there is nothing written in stone that monies for a "new wetlands" will be available. It is not likely that a new man made wetlands will provide the same diversified life. Obviously the offer to TRY
recreating a wetlands lends huge credibility to the educational factor of a wetlands. Why even consider destroying our existing resource.
The first thing that needs to happen is citizens demanding a different route as KDOT studied many. The wetlands route is not the only option available. This matter could be tied up in court many more years.
The wetlands route will affect the Prairie Park Nature Center to some degree in which more than a million total tax dollars were initially spent. Why wreck this beautiful educational venture and waste tax dollars at the same time? Why destroy a portion of Prarie Park Nature Center for this obsolete road plan?
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
merrill-the Corps of Engineers gave the approval for the alignment of the SLT. Southern routes were considered. I was at all of the hearings. What aggravates me is all of the anti-SLT people who did not step forward and ask for the southern alignment. There was no organized effort by anyone at the time to support a road further south. All they did was whine and protest. Which is what they continue to do to this very day. I too believe that a southern route would have been better. But to change it now would just delay a needed road that much longer.
merrill (anonymous) says…
I too attended the hearings. I also suggested a SOR route that would connect to interchange 1057 which would keep the entire SLT out of the wetlands and save a few million due to less bridges. Although HNTB studied this route it was never presented to the public.
I-70 connectors going north off K10 to the KTA would provide better traffic service yet still accomplishing more including less traffic on 31st. This too was studied by HNTB and was presented on a 1995 KDOT "map"/corridor study.
It was approved before a proper EIS was accomplished which brought it down in court.
merrill (anonymous) says…
The SLT supporters have caused much of the delay because of failure to follow federal guidelines such as a complete eis.
kdot could have a new plan tomorrow if they so desired. This plan may never be approved as many on both sides have stated. As I stated previously we do not need two trafficways of any sort.