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Sandpoint URA approves $396,000 reimbursement for Timberline Helicopters road improvements
Summary
The URA approved a $396,000 reimbursement arrangement for public improvements on Mountain View Road to improve access to Timberline Helicopters' new facility; Timberline will construct the work and the city will reimburse the company once public improvements are accepted.
Tyson, representing Timberline Helicopters, requested $396,000 in public-improvement funding to extend water, electrical and sewer service, construct sidewalks, and perform landscaping on Mountain View Road to improve access between Industrial Drive and airport-area parcels. He said Timberline will dedicate approximately 15 feet of property to the city for the right-of-way and that the company has already invested more than $3 million in the project.
Tyson described operational and economic benefits: Timberline has expanded its workforce, reporting it “have hired 20 of 24” positions tied to an Idaho Economic Advisory Council approval; the company also described multiple international contracts to modify and deliver aircraft, including an announced award for Bangladesh and pending deliveries to Europe.
Commissioners discussed broader benefits and limits: board members noted the county controls some adjoining right-of-way and recommended further coordination with Bonner County to ensure the road extension yields wider access benefits for LifeFlight, a future fixed-base operator (FBO) and other industrial users. Staff explained the URA’s role is to decide whether to fund and reimburse public improvements on city-owned frontage.
Commissioner Pinnan Perry moved to approve the $396,000 reimbursement for Timberline’s Mountain View Road public improvements; Commissioner Kate McAllister seconded. The motion passed by majority vote. Under the approved arrangement Timberline will pay for the improvements and be reimbursed by the city after the public-improvement work is completed and accepted by the city.
Board members asked staff to pursue county coordination on right-of-way and access so the improvements deliver the broadest public benefit.
