It was nice to hear that Cascade County has finally decided to do something about the eyesore leading to the entrance of Malmstrom AFB. It’s the section on Second Avenue North from 57 Street North to the entrance of the base.

There’s about a half mile section that really needs a lot of work that leads to the entrance of Malmstrom. It’s been this way for years. Many years ago, when I ventured out to the base for the first time, I noticed how terrible the road leading to the base appeared. The road was not only terrible, but there were weeds and old vacant buildings that needed work (or torn down) along the route.

Frankly, it made me wonder just how much the community really supported the base. I’m sure others have felt the same way over the years.

Although some work was done on this section of road several years ago, it has deteriorated again. Today, it looks very trashy and detracts from the professional appearance the base displays.

Since the Malmstrom runway has been closed, any officials visiting the base must travel from the Great Falls International Airport to the base and use one of the two entrances. Driving up Second Avenue North to the entrance gives many of these visitors the impression that Cascade County and the Great Falls community don’t really care too much about portraying the base in positive light.

First impressions are everything – especially when some of these officials may hold the base’s future in their hands.

Hopefully the first impression will change for the better now. Let’s hope the many supporters of the base from the community and around the state will help with the cost. It’s the right thing to do and a worthy investment.