Editor:
I would like to respond to Mel Coonrod’s editorial from Tuesday, March 7 edition of the Sun Advocate (Is the Garley Wash Reservoir a good idea?”). I have attended most of all the meetings and presentations concerning the Garley Wash Reservoir. There are many half-truths and contradictions in Mr. Coonrod’s statements, and it appears that he has other motives besides an honest analysis of the Garley Reservoir project.
He reprimands local authorities and tells them to “play fair with open competitive bidding when they spend our money.” Mr. Coonrod is a business owner who has expressed a desire to procure work doing planning and environmental studies for the reservoir project. Price City recently issued a request for proposals, and in a competitive bidding process in which Mr. Coonrod’s company participated, the city awarded two contracts for environmental studies and reports.
His suggestion to “relocate the reservoir to Willow Creek or Consumers or any number of other areas,” shows that he does not fully understand the purpose of the reservoir and that he is unaware of how much has been done to investigate other possible reservoir locations.
It is not necessary to individually address all of Mr. Coonrod’s opinions- more accurate information is readily available. For information about flood insurance, visit the FEMA website, or talk to the Carbon County Director of Building/ Zoning/ Planning. Price City officials are the best source for specific questions about the project.
The considerable interest in the reservoir project highlights the fact that Carbon County residents are concerned citizens who sincerely care about local issues. Unfortunately rumors often circulate faster than truth. For example, the rumor that a contract has already had been issued for the construction of the Garley Dam is completely false, and apparently originated when some individuals confused the Garley Reservoir project with a current project on the Carbon Canal.
Just as it is dishonest and deceitful to promote the reservoir with inaccurate information, it is reprehensible to oppose the reservoir by exaggerating the risks or propagating falsehoods. For those who care about the Garley Reservoir project, either for it or against it, I invite you to do your homework and establish your opinions with accurate information.
Keith R. Grogan
Price
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