Highway 41 trail funding secured
POST FALLS - After sputtering for several years, the Highway 41 trail project has funding to move it ahead.
The city of Post Falls has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the state's Community Choices program to construct a paved bike/pedestrian trail on the east side of Highway 41 from Seltice Way to Mullan Avenue.
The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency is expected to provide $300,000 in matching funds.
"Based on the estimates that we put together, the $800,000 should cover everything," said Robert Palus, assistant city engineer.
Tonight at 6, the city council will consider modifying the East Post Falls Urban Renewal District plan to include the trail project. Construction of the trail would happen in 2015.
"The city staff feels that construction of the project would improve safety along Highway 41 by constructing a bicycle and pedestrian facility in a location where there is an existing need for such facilities," Palus said.
There is currently a small dirt trail in the corridor being used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
"We feel that this is a very viable project that will benefit the East Post Falls community," said Tom Lien, urban renewal executive director. "The existing trail - right next to the busy Highway 41 with its heavy traffic - is a narrow combination of gravel and mud at different times and is not the safest route from Seltice north to Mullan for pedestrians, bicyclists, the elderly and anyone pushing a baby stroller. We look forward to seeing this project completed."
The paved trail would be 8.5 feet wide.
The city has bandied the trail project for several years, but the cost for a half-mile trail and maintenance were concerns.
The Idaho Transportation Department has indicated that it would prefer that the city maintain the trail, said Bill Melvin, city engineer.
About $75,000 in urban renewal funds was spent on engineering on the project earlier.
* In other business, the council will hold a public hearing on a 16-acre annexation request at the northwest corner of Chase Road and Poleline Avenue.
Advanced Technology Surveying and Engineering, representing property owners Jeff Lawson, Sandra Runcorn, Joe Dobson and Rex Van Brunt, is requesting single-family housing on the northern part of the site and mixed uses, including housing, office and limited commercial, on the southern part.
At the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, some neighbors said they have concerns with commercial and high-density uses in the residential area.
The council will also hold a workshop with the Urban Renewal Agency tonight at 5 in the first-floor conference room at City Hall to discuss projects of mutual interest.
• Parks appointments
Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson tonight will recommend that the city council re-appoint Tami Martinez and appoint Jame Davis and Howard Gould to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Davis would replace Ryan Zane, who opted not to seek re-appointment. Gould would fill the remaining year of a term for Jackie McAvoy, who has been unable to attend recent meetings due to health reasons. Ten people applied for the three volunteer seats.