Another exhibit in Spokane case

Any newcomer wondering why this paper was so skeptical toward Spokane didn't need to wait long for an answer.

Last Wednesday in this space we expressed alarm at a Spokane-supported federal proposal to engulf Kootenai County in Spokane's statistical marketing area. A newcomer might have cocked an eyebrow at our backtalk.

But just four days later, the newcomer was afforded a bird's-eye view from our perch. It appeared on the front page of Spokane's newspaper, the Spokesman-Review.

The S-R story examines a subject we raised in last Wednesday's editorial about Spokane's determination to force higher water quality standards on Kootenai County users than it will have for its own.

The Spokesman-Review story details how the demand for higher standards for three Kootenai County users - the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, as well as the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board - could lead to lawsuits, which in turn could delay how soon a $167 million sewage treatment plant in Spokane Valley can begin processing waste.

Why does that matter? Because, as the story says, delaying Spokane Valley's ability to process more waste could lead to a countywide construction moratorium.

Bingo.

And on this side of the state line? Officials in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Hayden have every reason to feel polluted upon. By facing standards for phosphorus emissions into the Spokane River that are not only unfair but scientifically and economically unattainable right now, officials here recognize that such a mandate would equate to skyrocketing resident fees and zero population growth. Yes, there's that nasty "m" word again - moratorium.

While that may constitute joyous tidings to the no-growthers, it is a death knell to communities intent on emerging from the recession. And it's stating clearly the enormous stakes over how much phosphorus we're putting into the river that ends up in Lake Spokane. Our neighbors to the west want standards for themselves that will allow them to grow and prosper. If their prosperity comes at our expense, they don't seem too concerned.

So, new resident, there you have it. Harsh as it sounds, it's true: Spokane's greatest interests in North Idaho are its natural resources and its spendable income. When they say they have a good idea for North Idaho, what they really mean is they have a good idea for how North Idaho can benefit Spokane.