Branson Installs Solar Powered Stop Signs at $4,000 More than it costs to build the current signs

Branson's $4,000 Solar Powered Stop Sign

The city of Branson had a tough week as Branson's dishonest statements regarding the Branson Landing finances covered the front page of Sunday's Springfield News-Leader. A well timed press-release was issued this afternoon to move focus to Branson's green initiatives. Some call it eco-socialism while others call it being good stewards of earth.

Oddly the environmental destruction (ie 20,000 gallons of water) to create solar powered stop signs at an expense of over $2,000 a pop didn't come into question. Expect Branson's business partners KSPR and KY3 to run this story on tonight's prime time news broadcast instead  of correcting the fraudulent numbers they published last week on the Branson Landing debt.

No complaints have been issued regarding the traditional reflective signs which costs the city of Branson under $125  to create.

Of course, the city of Branson currently builds signs in-house which forces the city to use the local work force.

While economic sustainability isn't being questioned the issue of "sustainability" focuses on regulating private property and both has and will continue to erode property rights.

The following story, at the direction of city leaders will air tonight:
Official Government Story Recommendation as published by local politicians:

Branson has taken another step in “going green” by installing solar-powered, flashing
stop signs at two busy intersections – Gretna Road and Wildwood and at Wildwood and Golf
View Drive.
The solar panels are attached above the signs and energy from the sun and not
electricity powers the flashing red LED lights around the signs.
Total cost for the four stop signs, the first in the city, was $4,100, but the city expects to
recoup that money over time in electric savings.
The city’s engineering and public works department placed the signs at these particular
intersections because their locations make them difficult to see, and especially after dark.
According to the sign’s manufacturer, the attraction of the bright flashing LED lights will bring
attention to a distracted driver up to two miles away.
City officials believe that by increasing the visibility of the stop signs, they will also
improve safety at the intersections.
In addition to the sun-powered stop signs, other green initiatives taken by the city include:
o Installing LED lights at the RecPlex parking lot
o Performing an energy audit of all city facilities
o Creating a Sustainability Council composed of city employees to lead city initiatives
o Reusing aluminum street signs
o Considering vehicle replacement policy that will encourage fuel-efficient vehicle
purchases