Optimism and glee over funding

Not long ago, I was not very optimistic that the Resource Advisory Committee would grant money to all of Flathead County's requests for road improvement projects. My pessimism was due in part to the fact that RAC projects had already provided funds for the North Fork Road stretching from Camas Junction nearly to Whale Creek.

These projects have given us a vastly improved gravel road with six inches of crushed rock mixed with bentonite to hold it in place and topped with magnesium chloride for dust abatement.

I am pleased to announce that I was wrong again. Last week, RAC granted $25,350 for dust abatement on the North Fork Road in 2012.

This will be matched with $25,350 of county money. In addition, $35,250 was allotted to narrowing the road from Canyon Creek to Camas Junction from 32-36 feet wide to 24-28 feet wide. Again, Flathead County will match the grant dollar for dollar.

The narrower road will save maintenance dollars and prepare the surface for further improvement. There are no current plans for additional paving, but I hope everyone agrees that the improved road is a positive improvement.

Dust will be virtually eliminated, making the road more comfortable as well as healthier for people and vegetation along the road. It will also be safer due to improved visibility.

Also funded was $12,350 for noxious weed mapping and control on private lands adjoining public lands and along the North Fork Road. This is a joint effort by the Forest Service, Flathead County Weed Department and the three private North Fork organizations - the Landowners' Association, Preservation Association and the Compact.

In addition to the $12,350 grant, the Forest Service and County will contribute more than $13,000, and the private groups will provide $6500 worth of volunteer labor.

Turned down was a $31,000 request for an outhouse at Big Creek's Glacier Institute. No one seemed anxious to commit to a nonpublic toilet when sanitation is ignored at sites like Sondreson Meadow River access.

On a sad note, word was received this week of the passing of Karen Feather's sainted mother, Bettie Jacobson. Bettie spent many years at Polebridge helping her daughter Karen run the Merc and the Northern Lights.

Always with a bright smile and a ton of energy, Bettie was a bright light on the North Fork and always added enthusiasm to the Fourth of July parade. After leaving the North Fork, Bettie did a stint with the Peace Corps and then retired to her home in Seattle.

Bettie was 96 and will be missed by everyone who knew her. I sure hope the history committee interviews Karen Feather and, in the process, also captures some of the essence of her "sainted mother."