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Vehicle fee proposal picks up endorsement

| September 30, 2020 1:00 AM

The Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation’s (CdAEDC/Jobs Plus, Inc.) Board of Directors has endorsed the ballot proposal that would create a funding source specifically targeted to pressing transportation issues facing Kootenai County.

"Monies raised from a modest increase of $50 per year, less than 14 cents a day, in our vehicle registration fee will be spent directly and only on local transportation projects here in Kootenai County," said a Tuesday press release from the organization. "These projects are specifically outlined as the top projects identified by KMPO (Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization), our area’s transportation organization. All Cities & Highway districts represented on the KMPO Board support this measure and agree on the priority projects."

According to the endorsement, the last major investment in local transportation infrastructure occurred in the late 1960s, early 1970s.

"As we all know, substantial growth has occurred since then, creating a massive need for both commuter and freight mobility. Add to that, the safety concerns generated by this increased demand; and it is evident that additional investments are needed — and needed now."