AF ratchets up Mont. missile road spending

[unhappycamper]

AF ratchets up Mont. missile road spending
By Karl Puckett - Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune via Gannett News Service
Posted : Wednesday Dec 23, 2009 9:42:56 EST

The Air Force is preparing to spend up to $7 million a year overhauling missile roads in north central Montana over the next six years, a major increase in spending aimed at keeping the vital roads in top condition.

Cascade County Road Supervisor Dave Sutton said the usual missile maintenance programs involve applying new gravel to roads leading to Malmstrom Air Force Base missile sites every few years.

Under the new six-year plan, missile roads will be completely rebuilt with culverts and ditches, in addition to new gravel, he said. The roads are used by the Air Force to transport equipment and personnel to missile sites.

County officials say local taxpayers and motorists will benefit because the federal government will pick up the bill.

“We’re getting those routes and those miles of road basically for the maintenance,” Sutton said. “I think it’s a fair deal for the taxpayers for these respective counties to get that work.”


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/gns_airforce_mont_missile_road_work_122309/