Route would create major problems for North Idaho

I am disturbed about the feasibility study that is under way for a freight transportation corridor, which would transport goods from Alberta through Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

The idea is to create a major hub for global commerce called "The Inland Pacific Hub" and includes building huge logistic corporate complexes in rural areas and utilize the state-of-the-art 24-hour Eastport Port of Entry.

The project is to be rigorous and extensive, calling for a major overhaul and transformation of North Idaho's infrastructure, especially U.S. Highway 95. For those who have homes and businesses along Highway 95, remember the eminent domain law that gives the power of the state to take private property for public use upon compensating the owner.

People didn't move here to create what they left. Planners tout job creation spin-offs, which add up to an influx of people moving here to fill these jobs. To me that means life as we know it would be a memory for those who were lucky enough to have experienced it. This project threatens the fine balance between growth and maintaining our rural lifestyles and infrastructure (i.e., concerns about congestion, traffic safety, water limitations fire protection, landfill, wildlife corridors, and air, water and noise pollution.)

We need our rivers and lakes to stay healthy. An enhanced four-lane truck route would undo the progress the aesthetic towns have made in establishing a tourism base and adulterate the popular scenic highway and international byway known as the Selkirk Loop.

There is an alternative route down the less-populated Highway 395 that would involve far less demolition and choke points. It would require upgrading the Colville, Wash., port of entry.  

RIC CARLL

Bonners Ferry