Urban renewal may open 7th district in 2011

The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency is proposing to spend nearly $4 million during the 2011 fiscal year.

Total expenditures are listed at $3.8 million and the operating budget $181,000.

The agency spends tax-increment financing between its six districts. The numbers say the agency is spending about $148 per city resident.

Post Falls, the first and one of the few agencies in the state to close out a district with West Seltice in the area of Kimball Office, is proposing to create a new district in 2011 in the area of Idaho Veneer.

The next district slated to close is Riverbend in December 2012. Other districts include Expo, City Center, Center Point, East Post Falls and West Seltice II.

Tom Lien, the agency's director, said the agency is unique in that it requires a specific project plan to be approved after public hearings when a district is formed. Some agencies create new projects throughout the life of the district.

"We don't like to pull projects out of the hat as funding becomes available," he said.