Despite a column by David Collins and a guest commentary by Neil Ruenzel, the powers that be are still placing all their eggs in one basket with regards to the downtown location for the United States National Coast Guard Museum. The project hinges on the promised $20 million state funding of a pedestrian bridge and additional funds to raise the structure 15 feet above the ground. Despite the attempts to hush everyone up by saying we will lose the museum to another town they should be working on a "Plan B."

By the time they actually need that money, will the state's fiscal situation allow it or will it be siphoned off to a more worthy cause? You have all read about what a bad situation Connecticut is in, $330 million deficit this year alone.

The list of expensive issues with the current location makes it a tentative choice at best, and if we lose the museum altogether it won’t be because many have offered alternatives but because of the obstinacy of closed-minded individuals − no matter what the real reason might be for their inflexibility.

The less problematic Fort Trumbull location would allow unlimited expansion and not waste money on bridges and flood plain issues. 

Randy Terwilliger

New London