A Map of proposed haul roads according to an agreement between Meade County and TransCanada. The map can be found at www.meadecounty.org (Meade County Commission) |
STURGIS, S.D. - The road haul agreement between the Meade County Commission and the oil pipeline company TransCanada won't apply to all of roads the pipeline project intends to use, only the roads that would see the greatest amount of weight and the heaviest hauls.
As of now, plans call for loaded trucks weighing up to 77,000 pounds will be coming south from Bowman, ND, using U.S. Highway 85 and SD Highway 79. The proposed haul route on country roads and bridges has been outlined on a preliminary map. Go to KBHBRadio.com to see a copy of the proposed route and the route agreement.
Meade County Commissioner Linda Rausch says all efforts are being made to clearly define areas of use and assess repair and maintenance needs as plans for the proposed pipeline project proceeds.
Most of the proposed roadway is located in isolated areas that will impact ranchers and farmers more than communities. But for all issues that arise from ongoing oil development and infrastructure needs, Rausch encourages the public to keep up with the project by attending County Commission meetings and to discuss concerns with those involved in the process, such as the Highway Superintendent.
The next meeting of the Meade County Commissioners is Tuesday, March 6.
To review all documents related to the road haul agreement with TransCanada Oil Company, go online to www.meadcounty.org and look for boarddocs.com on the home page.
