Workshop seeks ideas to help freight system

The Idaho Transportation Department wants suggestions on improvements that would strengthen the state's freight transportation network and improve the economy.

Potential improvements to the freight system are part of the transportation department's strategic goals to improve safety, mobility and economic opportunity.

Six workshops are being held across Idaho in July. The workshops are designed to identify regional priorities, policies and projects that may promote and improve economic development opportunities.

The local workshop is at the Coeur d'Alene library, 702 E. Front Ave., on July 24, from 2-5 p.m.

The workshops are part of a larger statewide planning effort to study the multimodal freight network, which started last December with the first Idaho Freight Summit. At the summit, participants said there is a need for a statewide vision to identify and prioritize policies, programs and investments in Idaho that contribute to the safe and efficient movement of freight.

Locally, the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Local Issues Committee has been exploring reviving legislation that would enable dry port districts to be created in Idaho similar to other states.

Those interested in attending the workshops are asked to RSVP by July 6 to [email protected] or by calling (208) 334-8272.