Open houses set on traffic management center study

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County travelers are being asked to comment on an ongoing study regarding a traffic management center at two open houses in August or via a survey available online.

“Our studies have already shown that a traffic management center is needed now,” said Glenn Miles, director for the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, in a news release. “The current phase of the planning study is evaluating what it would take to implement one.”

TMCs are a common tool used in urban areas in our region and country to address growth and congestion through shared technology and resources, according to a press release.

“Traffic management centers are really about optimizing existing infrastructure,” District Engineer Damon Allen said, in the release. “They’re already in place in neighboring metro areas like Spokane and Boise.”

The proposal has been criticized by some who are concerned how the information gathered via the TMC will be used and it could be part of a "spy hub" on the American people.

Kootenai County travelers are invited to learn more by either going online or attending one of the two open houses from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The same information will be shared at both open houses at the Black Bay Depot in Post Falls, 1211 E. Third Ave.; and The Coeur d’Alene Public Library in the Community Room at 702 E. Front Ave.

The same material is available online now. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 4.

No funding has been identified for implementing a traffic management center, though study results will identify what is needed and improve chances of securing grants, the release said.

The study is a joint effort directed by the Idaho Transportation Department and the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization. Comments will be shared with board members of KMPO at the regular meeting on Aug. 10.