Letter: Legend Ranch good for Golden Valley

Originally Published: September 28, 2016 6 a.m.

I read with interest the article by Ric Swats regarding Legend Ranch Road and I-11 (Highway 93).

However his article incorrectly states that “Legend Ranch Road will traverse very little land that will be developed. Much of the route crosses state of federal land…” I can only assume Ric is not familiar with the area. The majority of Legend Ranch Road fronts privately owned properties! A very small portion (estimated less than half a mile) is through federal/BLM land up by the intersection with Highway 93.

He also states that even if people want to build homes, it is cost prohibitive to drill a well. This would be for the property owner to determine the cost-effectiveness and it is permissible for a well to be shared with other property owners, thereby making it more cost effective. Also, many people in Golden Valley live in areas that are “water haul”. They either haul their own or have a company deliver water and store in above or below ground tanks. This is a very cost efficient way of obtaining water and many will tell you it is cheaper than being on “metered” water from one of the public water companies in Golden Valley. This lack of existing water supply or cost of a well does not deter people from developing their property and they were well aware of this when they purchased the land. Are these land owners (many from out of area or out of state) even aware of the paving and the reasons for this infrastructure? Information on locally held meetings may not reach these land owners. Also, property owners currently pay an annual “association” fee that I understand was for grading of the original dirt road. Will they now be exempt from paying those dues?

As for the Highway 93/Legend Ranch intersection “going to boom”, there are no guarantees that this area will have a convenience store, fast food and filling station. These conveniences are already in Kingman and Golden Valley, just a few miles away. Chloride already attracts tourists to the quaint town and restaurants. Has anyone yet committed to that type of development and will the federal land be available for sale? Will they permit it? If developed, how many people would it actually employ?

I fail to see where Golden Valley will get a big economic and developmental booster shot, especially as he stated Legend Ranch Road traverses very little land that is going to be developed! Maybe a few more people will stop at the Highway 68/Colorado Road “intersection” (or possibly a roundabout?) and look for some conveniences, restaurants, stores?

Yvonne Broadribb

Golden Valley