Group working to solve cross-border concerns

One of the pleasures I have serving as your state representative is the occasional opportunity to address issues that go beyond the Idaho Statehouse.

I represent our state on The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), a private/public organization that has as its members, representatives from the states of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon Territory. I have represented Idaho on PNWER for the last five years and presently serve as the first vice president. I will become president of PNWER in July of this year.

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a regional U.S.-Canadian forum dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving our world-class natural environment. PNWER is recognized as a "model" for regional and bi-national cooperation because of its proven success in addressing cross-border issues.

It's a respected voice and resource for our state and provides the public and private sectors a cross-border forum for unfiltered dialogue for business leaders and elected officials who work to advance the region's global competitiveness.

With more than 20 million people and more than $700 billion in gross regional product, the U.S. Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington) and Western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon) is one of the fastest growing regions in North America.

There are many issues of mutual concern — from British Columbia hosting the 2010 Olympics to more effective control of our northern border.

I along with other PNWER officers and PNWER's Executive Director met with Canadian Members of Parliament (elected federal members of government similar to our federal Congressmen) and staff in Ottawa January 29-30 to discuss issues of concern, including:

? Workforce shortages. PNWER forecasts up to $200 billion in future investment that will further stretch the already constrained skilled and unskilled labor market in the region. This issue can't be solved in a two-day conference, but we're talking about how we can work together to address this issue. One suggestion is that we expand temporary worker visas, or make them more flexible.

? The Hydrogen Highway. That's a concept promoted by PNWER for the 2010 Olympics, linking initiatives from California to Whistler, British Columbia. We're working to develop a "Sustainable Technology and Policy showcase during the Olympics to highlight best practices throughout the bi-national region.

? Reopening lost markets in the North American beef industry. We need to continue discussing communications and exploring collaborative ways to enhance the market share. PNWER has supported opening the borders for live cattle.

? Energy planning. PNWER has received a grant from the U.S. department of Energy for a Pacific Northwest Regional Bi-national Energy Planning Initiative to improve coordination of energy planning on both sides of the border in the best interest of the region.

These are just small samples of kinds of issues under discussion by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region.

My philosophy in my involvement with PNWER is "what is good for Idaho is good for the entire region, and what is good for the region is good for Idaho." My associates in the other states and Canada have the same attitude, which is why this organization has been successful in working to solve cross-border issues.

It's a pleasure serving the people of Bonner and Boundary counties.

? Rep. George Eskridge of Dover is a state representative for District 1.