To the editor:

To all the opponents of completing the South Lawrence Trafficway: Have you been out to see the work being done west of Louisiana and south of 31st Street? This is where 142 acres of swamp, excuse me, “wetlands,” are being added. Now is a good time to see what it takes to create a wetland area. The remnants of the past season’s crop are still there. As you can see, this was productive, rich, river bottom farm ground.

Now this may date me, but I remember when the Baker Wetlands were also productive river bottom farm ground. Prior to the late ’70s, when Clinton Lake was built, what is now the Baker Wetlands was farm ground, be it however flood-prone, but not a natural wetland.

The Baker Wetlands were man-made in the same manner as the new area being added. Nature adapted to the formation of the Baker Wetlands much the same way it can adapt to the completion of the SLT.

Let’s quit wasting taxpayers’ money, money which comes from your pocket as well as mine, and finish the SLT. Because of your opposition, it will cost us far more than it should and could have.

Scott Mesler,
Lawrence