September 3, 2024 |
Photo – CAT 77 B Haul Truck – By Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
Hanna officials may create a mining memorial out of a large dump truck formerly used in the coal mines.
During a special Hanna town council meeting last Thursday, the governing body discussed the possibility of moving a 62-ton dump truck to Veteran’s Park. Described as a life-sized Tonka truck, the CAT 77 B Haul Truck was used in the ARCH Mineral mine and has sat idle since the mine closed in 2009. The truck would be turned into a memorial to the town’s mining past.
At last Thursday’s meeting, Mayor Jayson Nordquist explained his plan to display the former coal mining truck in the park next to the Hanna Recreation Center.
Mayor Nordquist said he discovered that the truck is owned by a local towing company. The mayor said the company has agreed to donate the vehicle to the town in exchange for a $25,000 tax write-off.
Hanna Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales messaged Bigfoot99 to say that Mayor Nordquist mentioned the incorrect trucking company during Thursday’s special meeting. The old haul truck is actually owned by Elk Mountain Diesel Towing and Recovery.
At last week’s special Hanna town council meeting, Mayor Nordquist said several heavy-duty mechanics have examined the haul truck and determined that it may run again. The mayor said getting the truck operational should not cost a lot of money.
However, if the large dump truck can’t be driven, Mayor Nordquist said it would need to be trailered to Veteran’s Park. The mayor said moving the truck in that manner will be expensive unless the towing company is willing to donate its services.
Turning the haul truck into a memorial won’t be as simple as parking it next to the recreation center. Mayor Nordquist said the truck and area will require potentially expensive alterations before the vehicle can be displayed.
Councilman Bill Dys asked if grants exist that are used specifically for preserving history. Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales said she’s aware of many grants, but she isn’t sure that any can be used to pay for the preservation of the haul truck. Clerk Gonzales agreed with Mayor Nordquist that the large truck has the potential to draw tourists to the town.
Treasurer Ann Calvert said Plattoga Aggregates owner Ryan Munks examined the haul truck and discovered that it needs a new set of expensive batteries. Treasurer Calvert said she supports the creation of a mining monument as long as the town isn’t forced to pay a lot to move the truck.
Calvert said the old haul truck will need a lot of work before it can be put on display. The treasurer said Hanna residents may complain about the cost of moving the truck, especially after the council voted to close the rec center. Mayor Nordquist said the rec center monopolized a huge portion of the town’s yearly budget. The mayor said transporting the haul truck to Veteran’s Park will cost significantly less than keeping the rec center open.
The council members said they need to make sure residents are aware of the cost of the project before beginning any work. Councilman David Felix suggested posting about the project on a new lighted display sign slated to be installed outside of the town hall. Mayor Nordquist said he expects the residents to be excited when the truck is moved to its new home.
The Hanna town council expressed support for the idea, but only if the cost to move the truck is low or covered by grants. The governing body will discuss the project again during the September 10th regular Hanna town council meeting.
Mayor Nordquist said the CAT 77 B Haul Truck is the last piece of equipment left over from the town’s coal mining past.
