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SURA wrestles with limited funds: phased stormwater option, downtown revitalization and a small economic marketing ask
Summary
Board members discussed a phased $4.55M stormwater-first alternative for Great Northern, a $4.5M (or expanded $6M) downtown Phase 3 request, and a $25,000 seed for economic development marketing; commissioners asked for business plans, timing and funding splits before commitments.
At its June 2 meeting the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency board discussed fiscal options to address competing priorities as the district nears the end of its planning horizon.
Staff presented a phased approach for the Great Northern corridor that would prioritize stormwater improvements and road rehabilitation in sequence rather than undertaking the full $31 million realignment immediately. The phased stormwater-first alternative was described as an abbreviated scope estimated at roughly $4.55 million that would address drainage and allow later road rehabilitation.
Commissioners raised concerns about available cash: staff noted the northern district currently has approximately $6.3 million in receipts but only about $5.4 million free after existing commitments. Board members asked how much of the proposed match could be front‑loaded and whether the city could temporarily advance funds and be repaid as collections come in. Staff said such financing options would require coordination with the city finance director.
Separately, staff outlined downtown Phase 3 revitalization alternatives: a shortened Church‑to‑Lake Avenue package estimated at $4.5 million, or an expanded scope to Superior that would raise the request toward $6 million and push the project to a later fiscal year. Commissioners asked staff to provide clearer timing and scenario costs before committing additional SURA funds.
Staff also proposed a limited economic development marketing allocation to promote aerospace and manufacturing opportunities in Sandpoint, starting with a seed of roughly $25,000 for a website, social presence and occasional trade‑show attendance. Commissioners asked for a business plan, options to split the allocation between districts, and measurable goals before committing funds.
Next steps: a budget subcommittee will refine forecast scenarios for the board’s August meeting; staff will return with clearer year-by-year cost allocations and proposed funding approaches for each project.
