decorahnews.com reader sounds off about bridge costs

A sketch of a bridge similar to the one to be built on Trout Run Trail over Highway 9

Ellen e-mails decorahnews.com in reaction to our news story which said deteriorating bridges in Winneshiek County would affect the way the County Highway Department handles snow removal this winter:

"Why are we spending so much money on a bridge that bikers won't use anyway, (they will still use the roads and streets), when we can't even repair or replace road bridges that actually support vehicles that transport commodities to our communities?  These commodities are produced by the people that pay the property taxes and road taxes.  What taxes do the bikers pay to get all of these great things done for them?  These bridges and county roads also bring tourists, and, yes local people to the area to shop and otherwise spend money.  Where are the priorities?