NICAN needs to put our community first

Recently I became aware of some facts regarding the byway I believe the general public is not aware of:

1. The byway will have close to $100 million economic impact on this area and is slated to last three to four years. With the downturn in the economy, the affordable housing crisis in Sandpoint, and the disparity of wages in our area — the positive economic impacts on our local economy could be huge!

2. NICAN’s objections/appeals have been funneled through the Western Environmental Law Center, a pro bono group in Oregon and NICAN’s expenses have been little or nothing to fight this fight! ITD’s defense for these lawsuits has been paid by your tax dollars.

3. ITD has adhered to all regulations required by law in order to move this project forward.

4. Currently, there is a $245 million shortfall for the maintenance and operation of state and local roads in Idaho. If the byway does not move forward, there’s a good possibility that the money will be used for other highway projects, and you can bet the projects won’t be in North Idaho!

If you do not believe this information, please contact your local legislators or the ITD.

NICAN: For the good of the community, please put your personal agendas aside and allow the byway to move forward. It’s time for Sandpoint and North Idaho to get the highway improvements we desperately need.

MAUREEN TILLBERG

Sandpoint