Bolster rail system, and build highways for cars, not trucks

Among the major efforts by the federal government to get workers back to work is to finance repair and improvements to the federal highways and to encourage the development of multi-fuel electric hybrid cars. Because cars are easier on the highways than commercial trucks, and because bridges for them are less expensive and easier to construct, a long-term solution might be to combine these major efforts.

Before the interstate highway system, transport of goods was done by railroads. Rail transportation of goods and people is much more efficient than interstate trucking, but we went ahead anyway and built the roads for heavy trucks.

Gradually, as road construction continued, the railroads lost and have become secondary citizens of the transportation world while asphalt and cement have become major landscapes.

What if our current efforts and financial resources went for rail improvements and repair concurrent with an interstate highway system deconstructed for cars, not trucks?

Trucking would be restricted to local use in distributing the loads transported by efficient rail service.

I have a dream, a dream of an Interstate Highway System unencumbered with trucks, needing fewer lanes for traffic but with frequent walking/biking trails. There would be electric hybrid cars for rent at each of the railroad stops so that many could ride the rails for long distances and have personal transportation upon arrival.

Beautiful highways, efficient all-weather transport of goods, less road rage, more smiles, and now might be the perfect time.

Jack Lyford, Corvallis

Article on astronaut missed larger context of OSU engineering event

We would like to point out an oversight in the Feb. 24 article about astronaut Don Pettit's speech at the 10th annual Willamette Valley Engineer's Week Banquet. The banquet is organized yearly by the Willamette Valley Section of the Society of Women Engineers (WVS-SWE). Our members put many hours into planning and making this annual banquet a showcase event for engineers in the Willamette Valley. This year, the OSU College of Engineering joined us in sponsoring the event.

While the keynote speech, given by Dr. Pettit, was newsworthy, the purpose of the yearly banquet is for local engineers to gather together to celebrate the accomplishments of engineers, to network, and to recognize future engineers. WVS-SWE awarded scholarships to three outstanding high school women from the Willamette Valley and also recognized four local middle school girls for their excellent essays on outstanding women in science and engineering. These elements of the banquet were not mentioned in your coverage.

We are further disappointed that the article did not even mention the Society of Women Engineers. The Society of Women Engineers is a national, not-for-profit educational and service organization. SWE's objectives are to establish engineering as a desirable aspiration for women, to empower women to succeed and advance in those aspirations, and to recognize women for their achievements as engineers and leaders.

Abbie Kimerling, for Willamette Valley Section of the Society of Women Engineers

Urban renewal tax increment financing may not be realized

Accomplishing urban renewal at Evanite is more complicated than what Michele Adams wrote (March 10, Letters, "Urban renewal zone would do Corvallis much good"). Cost-effective redevelopment of Evanite cannot happen until clean-up of toxic trichloroethylene (TCE) in the soil and groundwater is completed.

According to the Department of Environmental Quality, new housing at Evanite may not be feasible. DEQ is concerned about TCE vapor off-gassing into the air and into occupied buildings.

The extent of the cleanup problem will not be known until after September 2009. If new methods of cleanup proposed by DEQ can be used, cleanup could be done in three to five years for between $3 million and $30 million. If not, cleanup time is very far into the future.

How will the city achieve the necessary capitalization for its Urban Renewal District if Evanite's plan to develop fails?

The urban district renewal plan's financial feasibility section shows Evanite's proposed tax increment revenue is $55,900,000, coming between 2013-23. Will the site be clean by 2013?

Also, Evanite has not announced any plans to move or close its two fiberglass plants. The fiberglass business is growing, according to Evanite's parent company, Hollingsworth and Vose.

We would all like to see new uses at Evanite, but is this URD realistic?

Will the district receive Evanite's tax increment? When? Who would build? What?

Who would buy buildings located under active fiberglass plants legally emitting 20 tons of extremely fine glass particles per year? Or condos built over TCE contamination? Evanite's multi-use path location offer has been withdrawn. Why is Evanite in the urban renewal district?

Marilyn Koenitzer, Corvallis

Is cricket becoming new terrorist front in India/Pakistan conflict?

The terrorist attack last week in Pakistan made news in countries that play cricket but not in the U.S. media.

On the Indian subcontinent, cricket is beyond passion; it is the dominant religion. Cricket played anywhere in the world finds its way to a TV audience there because that is where the money is! President Musharaf, a great fan, arranged serious talks with India in 2006 with a cricket match between the countries as a backdrop.

Two weeks ago, the national team from Sri Lanka was playing the national team of Pakistan in a test match that usually lasts five days (six hours each day, breaking for lunch and tea). This test match was fast-paced and lots of runs were scored.

But on the third day, 12 terrorists attacked the bus carrying the Sri Lankan players to the stadium. Several players were hurt; some needed hospitalization. The match was abandoned immediately. The Sri Lankan team flew home. Four policemen were killed.

You don't mess with cricket fans. The authorities are taking this seriously and started rounding up suspects. The attack has similarities to Mumbai attacks.

What could be the motivation of the terrorists in attacking players from a gentleman's game like cricket? Could it be that it is a game from England? The attack has motivated the Pakistani authorities to start looking seriously at the groups in their own territory. We wish them well in their efforts because we all deserve better.

Megha Shyam, Corvallis

'Dancing with the Stars' should be renamed 'Dancing with the Felons'

My children talked me into having our family watch "Dancing with the Stars" last night. I, of course, have been hearing what a wonderful family show it is. My episode featured two felons, two recovering drug addicts, a centerfold, an R-rated rap star, and an actor celebrated for appearing naked in "Sex in the City."

I couldn't help but notice the scarcity of artists, business and community leaders, scientists and engineers. This is the show that everybody talks about.

Let's embrace the words of our new leader and the change to which he is exhorting us: Accept the guidance he is providing parents to turn off the television and engage our children in healthy activities. "We are the ones we've been waiting for"! And, let's rename that show "Dancing with the Felons."

Philip Harding, Corvallis