TRAIL: Let's get it done

The Kootenai County Commissioners will meet on Jan. 17 to discuss and vote on a proposal by the Idaho Department of Transportation that would ensure long-term maintenance on the pedestrian and bicycle trail along Highway 95 to the Bonner County line. I attended the Dec. 7 commission meeting on this subject and was mystified that the two commissioners present were not in violent agreement on this proposal. This seemed like a no-brainer topic to me that the commission would easily agree on.

Commissioner Marc Eberlein expressed deep concern over a $3,000 annual maintenance bill that the county would incur if they were to sign on to the local-state agreement that the IDT needs before moving forward with the trail proposal.

While I appreciate fiscal good sense, I cannot fathom how this meager amount would be a deal-breaker for what will be a lasting legacy for citizens of Coeur d’Alene and the greater North Idaho region. The city of Coeur d’Alene has already expressed support for and commitment to the long-term maintenance of the trail. The city and the county have the resources to maintain the trail without increasing their respective budgets.

Contact the county commissioners and let them know you support this endeavor. Urge them to vote with a collective “yes” on this proposal at the Jan. 17 meeting. Attend the meeting yourself and voice your support.

MAGGIE SCHENK

Coeur d’Alene