GROWTH: Two-pronged approach

We are facing two separate growth issues in North Idaho. One is building the transportation infrastructure to accommodate those who are already here. The other is addressing the impact of future growth by those who will be moving here.

Rapid growth communities are always in catch-up mode when it comes to building roads, sewers and schools. We are behind the curve in addressing traffic issues in our region and those of us who currently live here are the main cause of traffic congestion.

Future growth will cause an even greater need for infrastructure. Action on a two-pronged approach is urgently needed.

First, we need to approve the $50 vehicle tax to allow our road system to support our current population. It was suggested that we ask the state for the money. Southern Idaho has even more as transportation needs than we do. Any available funding is likely to remain in Boise.

Second, we need growth management on a regional basis. Plans should include methods for limiting growth while assuring that infrastructure is funded by that growth. It’s an enormously complicated issue and other areas have struggled with it. Nevertheless, we can learn from others while making growth management one of our highest priorities. It will take the best minds from all of our communities to come together to figure it out.

We need to do both. To pay for the impacts of growth that has already occurred. And, to find ways to manage the growth that is on the horizon.

DAVE CHILDS

Coeur d’Alene