2024 already proving busy in Priest River

2024 has already proven to be another very busy year for the city of Priest River! From updates to administrative policies and fees, to major street, water, and wastewater projects and upcoming developments, here is an overview of what’s to come as we enter the spring season here in beautiful North Idaho. 

The City Clerk’s office has been busy assisting with the revision of our Development Impact Fee Study, updating the city’s utility connection fees, and undertaking an enormous records organization project. Progress on the newly acquired Two Rivers Park is slowly but surely moving forward, with stormwater improvements expected to be designed and begin this year. 

Already this year, the city has approved two new Planned Unit Developments and several lot splits, which adds to the four other already-pending housing developments within the city. All the pending developments could add as many as 206 single-family homes and four triplex multi-family units. While this may seem like a lot, the city is confident that our infrastructure is in a good position to handle the added street use, water use, and wastewater output.

The city’s public works department has been busy with some spring cleaning at the city shop, getting ready for a radio water meter installation project, and assisting with the Wisconsin Street Realignment Project. With construction coming in at just over $1.1 million, the project was made possible with a grant through LHTAC’s federal-aid rural program. Progress is swift, and the project should be complete by early June 2024.

The water and wastewater departments have also been busy with spring cleaning at the treatment plants, in addition to regular repairs and maintenance. Treatment plant staff have also begun an inventory of all water service lines to identify any that contain lead. The inventory is mandatory and required by the Environmental Protection Agency. Two approved, upcoming water projects are replacing two pumps at the Upper Booster Station on Shannon Lane and extending the raw water intake pipeline in the Pend Oreille River. Several wastewater projects are anticipated for later this year, including the construction of a roof over the sludge bin at the wastewater treatment plant and the replacement of a main wastewater line on Larch Street. 

The city looks forward to input from city residents and encourages public participation and suggestions for the future of Priest River. Together with the city’s dedicated and knowledgeable staff, we can accomplish whatever projects and challenges lie ahead.