EDITORIAL: With Citylink, county is veering off the road

The Kootenai County Commission's reluctance to accept federal transit grants reveals a disconnect between commissioners and regional transportation needs. 

The facts are straightforward: Citylink, our regional transit system, provides over 100,000 rides annually through a collaborative effort. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe contributes the most at $250,000 yearly. The city of Coeur d'Alene chips in $104,000, while Post Falls adds another $41,000. Yet Kootenai County — whose commissioners are now blocking $396,000 in federal grants — contributes a mere $64,000 annually to the system. That's far less than the salary of a single county commissioner. 

The reason for blocking the grants? Commissioners are citing a need for "better discussion" about service levels. This is despite clear explanations that the funding would simply maintain existing services, not expand them. 

The commissioners' stance is particularly galling given their minimal skin in the game. How can officials who contribute so little to the system feel entitled to hamstring its basic maintenance? When multiple local governments and the Tribe have demonstrated their commitment to regional transit through significant financial support, it's absurd for the county to put up roadblocks. 

Commissioner Eberlein's blunt statement that he's "not a fan" of the transit system betrays an ideological opposition that puts vulnerable residents at risk. Paratransit services, which the grant funds would pay for, are essential for his elderly and disabled constituents. They're lifelines for people accessing medical care, grocery stores and other basic needs. 

The commission's obstruction is out of step with both regional partners and their constituents’ needs. It's time for our commissioners to set aside their philosophical objections and accept these federal funds. If they’re fundamentally opposed to accepting federal grants, perhaps they should cut their own tax-payer-granted salaries and use that money instead.