Developers brief Bannock County commissioners on Community Infrastructure District for proposed resort

Paul Baker, a developer who identified himself as CEO of Pioneer, and partner Matt Luke outlined plans for a large resort development in Bannock County and asked county commissioners to consider use of a Community Infrastructure District, or CID, as a financing tool.

The presentation and follow-up legal explanation focused on how Idaho's CID statutes allow a separate political subdivision to issue tax-exempt bonds for public infrastructure within a defined district and to repay those bonds through assessments on property within the district. "It's a financial mechanism," said Stephanie Bonney, an attorney who said she represents CIDs and performs bond counsel work in Idaho. "With a CID, it's almost like a super LID."

Why it matters: The proposed development, as described by the presenters, is large enough that supporters say it could create hundreds of jobs and substantial annual economic activity while requiring substantial upfront infrastructure (roads, sewer, water and other public facilities). Commissioners pressed developers and counsel on who would carry financial risk, how voting works, whether county taxpayers would be liable, and the project's water and sewer implications.

The proposal and key details - Paul Baker said the full project cost was in the range of $350 million (October estimate) and that the…