Well, now I have a different take as a new Arizonan as of 2012.
We have this great Colorado River and Lake access to that valley with many cities that struggle to get the right amount of tourism and development. Highway 66 re-route for I-40 changed every bit of access for that chain of small cities.
A limited access interstate with no slow downs or stops can afford to curve around to provide connective access, it won’t slow down the run to Vegas that much.
I will agree there is a lot of good-ol’-boy politics in Bullhead, Kingman, Lake Havasu but I am more interested in going to those cities than I am to Los Wages. The route is not all that bad now — just desolate without safety and services.
Bullhead and LHC are WAY different places. They will actually welcome new business, where in Kingman, they will do nearly everything possible to chase them away. Although very slowly, they are changing and its almost to late for it.
Ever wonder why Bullhead and LHC grew as fast as they did?
One other thing. Ever wonder why there isnt a grocery store in GV? Because they will drag the county permits out so long nobody wants to build.
Golden Valley had a population of around 8 to 9 thousand people. Back where I come from, in Iron Mountain MI, they have 3 or 4 grocery stores for a town of about 5 to 6 thousand.
The good Ol cooters want that business in Kingman. Well..not this dude-so do all my neighbors. I go to Bullhead.