Citizens are doing what ITD hasn't

We've all heard the happy talk from the Idaho Transportation Department that they are again just months away from beginning construction on the "Highway in Sand Creek" or the byway. ITD seems to presume that the required Army Corps of Engineers fill permit is a done deal — nothing could be further from the truth.

The "Highway in Sand Creek" is not a "water dependent" facility and, as such, does not require proximity to Sand Creek to fulfill its basic purpose. ITD must demonstrate that there is no "practicable alternative" to the Sand Creek alignment that would avoid harm to wetlands and Sand Creek, let alone the economy of downtown Sandpoint.

Before approving the project, the corps must determine that there is no other viable alignment that would serve the project purpose of an alternate route through Sandpoint for U.S. Highway 95.

Clearly, the Army Corps permit process is the most significant hurdle to date that ITD has faced in its efforts to make the "Highway in Sand Creek" a "done deal." I urge everyone concerned about the future of Sandpoint and preserving its unique waterfront heritage to attend the Army Corps' public hearing on the application for dredging and filling in Sand Creek and voice your concerns.

There are a number of citizen-driven initiatives being developed to do what ITD has not done — find a practicable alternative to the Sand Creek alignment that would better serve the community. It's time to move forward with a plan that will bring lasting efficiency to the transportation system and let go of the flawed band-aid of a 'Byway.'

SUE S. PaDELFORD

Elmira