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Sen. Marc Basnight, a Dare County Democrat who leads the state Senate, implored President Barack Obama this week to sweep aside legal and environmental challenges and allow North Carolina to proceed with construction on a replacement for the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet in Dare County.
In a letter dated Wednesday and released today, Basnight paints a scary picture:
Imagine for a moment a busload of school children traveling across the bridge. When the bus reaches the apex of the bridge's 3.3-mile span, the road collapses, sending the bus and all of the children into the water below. ...
[W]e continue to face unnecessary delays from a government that is more worried about the litigious threats of out-of-state environmental groups than about the public safety and economic well-being of the millions of motorists who cross the bridge every year.
I plead with you to right this wrong that has wasted millions of dollars and infinite red tape over the years - at the hands of federal bureaucrats and at the risk of the safey of millions of people.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the
Comments
Basnight has his idiotic
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 16:05 — meltedBasnight has his idiotic acquarium being built into a pier in his district with his family business getting the ok to build that - isn't that a surprise!! Now he wants the federal government to circumvent normal procedures so his precious replacement bridge over Oregon Inlet can be built. Why do you want to circumvent normal approval procedures to get this bridge built, Basnight. Is it because you will soon be forced to leave the general assembly (because of health reasons) and after you are gone your family business might not get the contract to build this bridge also? Be a man Basnight and be honest for once in your life.
Dumplin's empty hat
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 13:31 — Notsurewhere_NCDumplin' returned from DC with an empty hat on the Yadkin River bridge that by the way a lot more school buses traverse daily. Boss Bass didn't seem to distressed about that one, but then thats not on the coast is it.
Basnight pleading to Chairman Obie is a waste of time. Ex-Guv Easy sealed the deal with his endorsement of Hillary. No big money for you guys, instructions are to send the NC hat in hand folks back with pocket change.
I think the President will come through
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:54 — bestsarahOur state voted for President Obama. I think he will favor us with the bridge just like he has granted special favors to Louisiana and Nebraska and Nevada. All we have to do is ask and our wish will be granted. The Democrats are the protectors of the environment until the environment gets in the way of one of their special interest friends who need something. Then the environment takes second seat to political expediency. I think the President will see that the environmentalists made mistakes and will give us a bridge. We are on his team. We are true blue Democrats. How can he deny us?
ps
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:35 — SweetsieBy the way Mark, your liberal environut democrats are a whole lot more concerned about the piping plover or beach amaranth than they are that busload of schoolchildren you speak about. If they remain in charge, you ain't seen nothing yet! It will get much worse.
Basnight criticizes his own democrat brethren
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:31 — SweetsieThe environazis halting all development and even beach access by perverting the Endangered Species Act are all liberal democrats. That is why Basnight should open his eyes and quit running with that sorry bunch. Don't expect any help on this matter though Mr. Basnoit because those in charge in Washington are all environazi democrats. The inmates are now running the asylum.
Solution
Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:26 — grantncsuHey Mr. Basnight, I have the solution to putting the poor children at risk. We could use that mothballed ferry that you bought with our money several years ago. You know the one, it was going to use the illegally dredged areas in the sound (which sent a couple of your underlings to prison).
I sure wish people could see how these "environmental rules" have been foisted on us by those seeking to concentrate power. These rules are simply a way to control development (money). It is priceless that Basnight feels victimized when he is not the biggest dog in the fight.