Paving Paradise

by Cat Urbigkit

County Road Superintendent Butch Penton told Sublette County Commissioners Tuesday that he received a cost estimate of $270,000 per mile to pave Paradise Road. The commission spoke of its interest in the possibility of paving both Paradise and Horse Creek roads. Penton said he'd check into establishing a gravel pit on Paradise Road to provide the materials needed for a major road project.

Commissioner Bill Cramer said a lot of manpower and equipment are continually tied up keeping Paradise in shape, so he'd like to put the project on the fast track. His fellow commissioners agreed, pushing to get it done this year if possible.

Penton said a recent traffic study conducted by the Wyoming Department of Transportation determined that 1,400 vehicles are traveling Paradise daily.

Commission Chair Betty Fear reported that she'd recently toured the LaBarge Creek Road and found it to be in good condition with recent work conducted by Blaine Thoman. Fear said that the agencies involved need to be entering into a memorandum of understanding for cost-sharing the road work. While the county now holds one easement for the road, Fear said, three other property owners have indicated their willingness to provide easements as well. Fear said it's her understanding that while property owner Bob Harrower isn't willing to grant the county an easement, he may be willing to grant an easement to the U.S. Forest Service. Fear said a meeting will be held between all the affected agencies and the landowners will be invited to attend as well.