The proposed Ashley Valley Energy Route at either Dog Valley or McCoy Flats would negatively impact most people in Uintah County, not just the families that live in Dog Valley, the mountain bikers and tourists that cherish McCoy Flats, or the businesses in Vernal. Even with CIB funding, we cannot afford this bypass that will cost 80 million dollars. CIB funds are down, like everyone else, they are feeling the effects of the loss of the oil industry. Even after an economic impact statement was requested a year ago by the public, one has still not even been attempted. Many of the traffic and other studies that were accomplished and submitted are 6, 7 and 8 years old. The oil field industry was still booming in the Basin at that time. There is an excessive amount of expensive and unfinished projects in Vernal that have been purchased without and despite input from the community. Uintah County residents and our children will get to pay for these whims in the many years to come.

Proponents for the route estimate 40% of through traffic will be diverted away from Vernal and its businesses. Possible alternatives, which would encourage regular traffic to NOT take this shorter route, have not been adequately analyzed and released to the public. The bypass has been presented to us as a commercial truck route. Our commissioners have even been so bold as to boast this project as a helpful tool for oil and gas by routing larger vehicles out of downtown Vernal. Ironically, it does not intersect with HWY 191, so it really would be mediocre, at best, for its suggested purpose. Congruently, if completed, Ashley Valley Energy Route will destroy our already fragile local economy. An alternate route at a cost of 5 million, (although not perfect), certainly suggests that a truck bypass can be implemented without breaking the bank and hurting Vernal businesses. The true purpose of this bypass is financial gain for a select few.

This bypass will cut through McCoy Flats Mountain Bike Trail System (the preferred location for the bypass) in 4 different sections making it undesirable to mountain bike enthusiasts and tourists that enjoy its beauty and pristine location. 28,000 vehicles were counted at McCoy Flats parking lot in 2013. This particular mountain bike trail system has brought in much revenue at zero expense to the city or county. Other areas in Utah, like the Wasatch Front, are spending millions of dollars to build mountain bike trails to encourage tourism.

Voters have had it with all of this disgusting overspending. We are taking a stand. You, our Uintah County Commissioners, are being held accountable. We the voters elected you, and we demand that you represent us and rescind the Title V Right Of Way Application for the Ashley Valley Energy Route from the BLM and all other applications associated with this proposal. It is time you start serving this community, we will be watching.