Gail Wilmott’s letter (April 6) about the proposed East-West highway paints a dreary picture of what will happen if the highway becomes a reality. 

While I don’t share Mr. Vigue’s political views, I applaud his efforts to improve the economy of Maine, especially in those areas of the state that have suffered so much for so long. 

Ms. Wilmott fiercely opposes the highway in a heretofore-undeveloped area of Maine because, among other things, it will cause great damage to the environment and, potentially, lead to rampant development pressure in rural communities. 

Rather than guess about whether this might happen, why not look north-south rather than east-west for a real life example of a major highway in rural Maine.

The 105-mile section of Interstate 95 between Old Town and Houlton was completed over 30 years ago, yet, with the exception of a mom and pop store here and there, there has been virtually no development within the viewshed of the highway. 

It was constructed at a time when we did not have as many environmental safeguards as today, yet can anyone state with conviction that it represents the financial, ecological or liberty-wise disaster Ms. Wilmott is so worried about?

I-95 has clearly been good for the communities through which it passes. Without the ability to get paper- and wood-products trucks to markets around the world and hunters and recreationists to the Great North Woods, would these communities have survived into the 21st century?

Why not extend these same economic opportunities to western Maine.

Bob Faunce, Hebron