Community must address increasing railroad traffic

My name is Tom Suttmeier and I am here to share my thoughts on the exponentially increasing rail traffic.

First, Bonner County, Dover, Ponderay, Kootenai, and Bonners Ferry receive nothing from the railroad. The state, however, gets a per car tariff for every rail car that transits the state. I’ll get back to that in a few moments.

I live on the water in Northshore. Our house which we have lovingly refurbished was a dream of retirement come true. Our taxes are about $11,000 a year — a bit high but I am not here to complain about that. Now, while I appreciate the nice sidewalks, the traffic calmers and narrowers which are totally inappropriate in snow country and the landscaping cutouts throughout town, most of all I appreciate my sleep which is now nearly impossible, priorities matter, people matter.

TOM SUTTMEIER

Sandpoint

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