It is time for Becker to install quiet zones along the BNSF track.  The recent increase in train traffic, and now the double track expansion, should make quiet zones a top priority in Becker as it has become in other communities.

 

Citizens in Watab Township, Benton County, are moving ahead with the installation of quiet zones in their community. The July 12 edition of the St. Cloud Times highlights how leaders and citizens are coming together to make their community “horn free”, but not without a price. One of the crossings in Watab Township will cost $66,000, and some crossings cost considerably more. Most of the funding comes from local government.

 

Becker without train whistles can be a reality. Our mayor has the vision to make quiet zones happen and says the city has the money to do so. The current balance of the Ash User/Environmental Fund is $1.38 million. This money comes from Great River Energy and is designated for environmental purposes. Spending a part of it for quiet zone crossings could be just a matter of voting by our elected city officials. Without citizen demand, it is likely money that could be used for quiet free zones will be spent elsewhere.

 

Now is the time. With the current construction along the track, this might be the most cost-effective time to install quiet zones. Let’s reroute implementing quiet zones from happening “eventually” (as reported in the July 11 Citizen article “City staying on track with BNSF on rail projects”) to happening in the near future. It may be too late to take advantage of the possible cost savings while BNSF is working on the track, but it is not too late to do the work needed to install quiet zone crossings soon. Talk to your elected officials, (contact information is on the city website and they meet every first and third Tuesday of the month) and tell them we want quiet zone crossings that benefit all residentsall year, day and night.

 

Let’s keep Becker “Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret”. The reputation of a noisy town will not keep people in Becker, nor will it attract people to Becker.

 

Let’s keep our visitors and our current and future citizens happy and healthy, and let’s get moving on a plan so that all Becker residents can enjoy a better night’s sleep.