Why close interstate?
To the editor — While my heart goes out to family and friends of the three fallen Washington State Patrol employees, I take issue with the closure of Interstate 82 from Sunnyside to Union Gap for 11/2 hours for a procession. I appreciate the families allowing the public to join in a service to remember and honor these people who were tragically lost. However, in light of the current economy and budget woes of local and state governments, the cost of the procession could be used for other much-needed services. Here are a few costs that I can identify: 1. Cost of placement and energy for notification signage days ahead. 2. Placement and removal of barricades for on/off ramps. 3. Detour signs within various cities. 4. Traffic control on alternate routes. Besides the public costs, here are some other issues: 1. Delays and additional mileage for shipping companies mean additional costs. 2. Safety issues for motorists — traffic jams, road rage, driver distraction, cars stopping/standing al
