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Councilmember delivers KMPO update: I-90/I-95 interchange bid, office purchase and roundabout funding shifts
Summary
A councilmember provided an update from the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization: the I-90/I-95 interchange work is out for bid in two projects, the KMPO board approved buying its leased office with cities to share costs, and funding for the Hunter Lancaster roundabout remains in flux.
A Rathdrum councilmember who represents the city on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) gave a report to the council highlighting several regional transportation items, including an interchange project out for bid, KMPO’s decision to buy its office space, and shifting funding for the Hunter Lancaster roundabout.
The councilmember said the I-90/I-95 widening project — described to KMPO by the Idaho Transportation Department — has been split into two projects for funding and is out for bid. "The number 1 purpose of redoing that interchange at 95 and I 90 is just to keep traffic from backing up on the I 90," the councilmember said, adding that the project is expected to have a substantial impact downtown and on U.S. 95 through Coeur d'Alene.
The councilmember reported that KMPO’s board approved purchase of the office space it currently leases. He said the office is small — "2 small offices and a conference room" — and that buy-versus-lease analysis showed purchasing is likely less expensive over time. The councilmember said the cities that participate in KMPO will pay a proportionate share of the purchase cost based on their annual contribution; he said that billing is expected to appear by the end of the month or early next month.
On the Hunter Lancaster roundabout, the councilmember said funding is being shifted as project budgets and availability change across jurisdictions. "They're shifting funding around to try to get that fully funded this year," he said. He described the reality as recurring budget adjustments: some projects come under budget and free up funds while others run over and need additional money.
The councilmember also said KCAT is recruiting five nonvoting board positions to add expertise in areas such as bicycling, pedestrian issues and freight movement.
The update was delivered during the council reports portion of the meeting; no formal council action on the KMPO items was recorded in the Rathdrum meeting minutes shown in the transcript.
