Way not paved for transportation authority

A proposal to form a regional public transportation authority (RTPA) is still in the works, but it appears a vote for November is fading, transportation officials say.

An RPTA is a government agency created by a ballot initiative to address public transportation issues within a county or region. A simple majority is needed for passage.

The Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, which consists of area cities, the county, highway districts and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, supports sending a proposal to the voters, but county commissioners have the final say and don't appear to be in a hurry to advance it.

The Idaho Legislature in 1994 passed a law allowing cities and counties to form public transportation authorities.

The legislation was approved without designating a funding source for the authorities.

Since Kootenai County doesn't have a transit authority — like Spokane Transit Authority  — different agencies are responsible for planning, funding and operations regarding public transportation. - Brian Walker