Roads inadequate for coal trucks

To the editor:

Concerns have been expressed regarding the proposed mining operation in the vicinity of Sutton.

Sutton was a mining community until 1967, when the military bases were converted to oil-fired furnaces, and ’67 miners were put out of work. Most are gone from the area. New residents have generated a new community. Many members disagree over the coal mine issue. Some are opposed philosophically to changing the landscape; others are concerned about the traffic that may be generated to haul truckloads of coal to the Point MacKenzie tidewater storage area, perhaps around-the-clock.

Regarding the landscape change, we need only to visit the Usibelli coalfields at Healy.

The traffic concern is very real, both in prospective volume and frequency. An alternative means of transport should be considered.

A conveyor belt installed at the mine site would deliver a higher volume of material than loading trucks. Conveyor belts are used all over the world — one more than 60 miles long in Western Sahara. Closer to home, coal is transported in Montana up to 10 miles. A conveyor belt at the mine site near Sutton would bring coal to railcars located on a rail spur located near the Matanuska River.

Years ago, coal was hauled by train from Sutton to the military bases. This right of way still exists and is in the possession of the Mat-Su Borough. It was selected as part of our selection entitlement when the borough was formed. It was intended to be part of the local trail system. To my knowledge, it may be as it was left in 1970, but further deteriorated. The right of way could be renovated as a rail spur between Sutton and Matanuska Junction, a part of which is currently used to transport gravel to Anchorage.

The coal train would travel existing track to Matanuska junction. It would then be switched onto the main line heading to Point MacKenzie by way of the Houston-Willow junction. This plan provides added credence to that rail spur from Point MacKenzie, which is currently being proposed.

A lend-lease agreement with the borough would put this spur to use. After mining, the spur could add to Sutton’s place as a rail excursion attraction. As a capital investment, Usibelli may realize a tax incentive.

If the powers-that-be were to undertake these elements the truck traffic nightmare could be avoided. A hundred-car coal train can carry a volume of profit, even with a capital investment, as suggested.

Many of us do not want to turn this Valley into an industrial park. Our existing road system is inadequate for the volume or pounding that loaded coal trucks would inflict. It will be taxpayers who will be asked to pay the cost of repairs to our roads. Using roads to transport a mine product produced for private gain makes the taxpayer a silent partner responsible for maintaining the transport system.

Usibelli should invest in its own means of transport. Keep the coal train or trucks separate from our daily traffic needs of getting to work, engaging in commerce and getting the kids to school.

Robert Vroman

Past Mat-Su Borough Assembly president, chairman and manager

Palmer