The lead story in today's paper, Nov. 28, once again shows that our lawmakers are facing a big decision, whether to allow the Gateway Pacific Terminal project to move forward or not. It is a time when those lawmakers must have complete and accurate facts about the project.

Do they have reliable numbers with regard to jobs, not only how many but what wage scale can be expected? Do they have accurate information from an environmental study regarding the health effects due to increased trains carrying coal to the terminal? Do they have the full knowledge of any indirect costs to the taxpayers if and when the terminal is built? Will additional pressures be put on existing services in the community and will some new services have to be provided? Will new roads have to be built? How much tax money will flow into the economy?

Has anyone even listed the questions that should and must be answered before this project is put up to vote? If so, I'd like to see them published with truthful answers.

I implore the lawmakers to be sure they have all the accurate facts before they act. The decision should not be made on emotion. We need jobs and we need environmental protections. Can we have both? This is no time for a mistake.

Robert C. Knodt

Bellingham