Senate committee interviews two incumbents for Lake Pend Oreille Commission; no vote taken

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee interviewed two incumbents — Brent Baker and Frank Brinkmeyer — on gubernatorial reappointments to the Lake Pend Oreille Commission during a committee meeting presided over by Vice Chair Senator Hart. No confirmation votes were taken; Chairman Bertenshaw will set a later meeting to consider appropriateness for floor action.

The interviews focused on the commission’s priorities on lake levels, an economic-impact study recently authorized by resolution, invasive species control and cross-jurisdictional coordination. The commission represents local interests tied to recreation, fisheries and shoreline economies around Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho.

Brent Baker, a longtime commission member and executive director of his county’s economic development organization, said the commission “finally have in place now an agreement to conduct an economic impact study.” He told the committee the University of Idaho will perform the study, “donating half the cost, and…