Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What is Winneshiek County's 'Chop and Drop' program about?"

(photos taken by Dave along Ranch Road and 143rd Avenue)

Dave e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "Could you please explain what Winneshiek County's "chop and drop" program is all about? It certainly isn't to make our county roads more scenic!"

Mr. Answer Person says: "Even County Highway officials agree with you about this.  But, unfortunately, budget cuts have drastically affected the county's road budget--especially its road maintenance budget.

County Engineer Lee Bjerke says the trees are cut down in the first place as a safety precaution.  Bjerke says hitting a tree trunk in your car is no different than hitting a power pole in its ability to do damage to your car or truck--and possibly to yourself.  So trees are cut back to widen the roadway.  It also has the advantage of preventing ice buildups on the highway.

But in the past the county had a tree chipping crew that would go around after the trees were cut down and clean up the debris.  That crew has fallen victim to budget cuts.  Regular county crews do some clean-up, but it depends on what other work they have to do first.

Meanwhile in Des Moines, the Iowa Legislature will convene later this month.  Will the legislature increase the state gas tax, as they have discussed for several years in a row?  There has been talk of approving a gas tax increase--but there's also no denying that tax increases of any kind are VERY unpopular at this time.  Stay tuned!

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