You might think that with the decline in population in Harrison County that traffic on our major highways would also be on the decline. That hasn't happened and that's why the state Department of Transportation is holding public meetings to help come up with some solutions.

A Charleston consulting firm has been retained to examine the county's census data, employment data and current traffic conditions. The firm will focus primarily on U.S. Route 50, U.S. Route 19 and access to United Hospital Center.

The reason we have so much traffic today is two-fold: There are more and more shoppers coming to Eastpointe and New Point from outside the county, and there are more and more people who work in Harrison County but live elsewhere.

The last traffic study for Harrison County was done more than 30 years ago, long before the Meadowbrook Mall and other shopping centers opened, and before the FBI complex opened.

Once completed, the current study will provide a 20-year plan for the county's transportation needs.

"We really need ot look at the area as a whole and how one project relates to another," said Richard Warner of the DOT. "If you don't have a study like this, it's veryu difficult to make wise investment decisions for transporation dollars."

A publc hearing is scheduled for tonight at the Lincoln High School cafeteria from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can also get information on the study on-line at: www.harrisontrans.org.

This is an important issue, one that will have a long-term impact on not only Harrison County residents, but anyone who works here or shops here. Get involved.

James Logue