URA chair urges board to pick shovel-ready projects as districts near 2029 close

Chairman Eric Paul told the Sanpoint Urban Renewal Agency Board on March 3 that the city must identify feasible projects in the next several months so the agency can preserve tax-increment value before the urban renewal districts close in 2029.

"These districts close in 2029," Paul said, and urged commissioners to "think about what projects you believe would be a stimulus to that northern district which would really increase taxable valuation." He asked the board to develop a shortlist of two to four projects the agency could advance in the next three years.

Paul outlined several possibilities: separating the stormwater component of the Great Northern project to make it more affordable and deliverable; a long-range Baldi extension across city-owned parcels to reach U.S. 2; acquiring land north of Baldi for a land-swap and development; and working with the county on new hangars and related infrastructure on the east side of the airport. He said staff has produced a probable cost estimate for the stormwater portion of the Great Northern work and described visible standing water near the tracks as evidence of need.

Commissioners and staff discussed timing and budget limits. Paul noted that the city council is preparing a strategic plan and that, even with quick decisions, design and construction timelines mean some work may continue after a district formally expires. He also said roughly 40% of leftover incremental revenue will return to taxing districts if suitable projects are not put forward.

The exchange also referenced grant activity that could affect available funds. Board members noted a pending Community Development Block Grant application and other state grant efforts tied to downtown infrastructure; Vice Chair Ken Perry said he recused himself from a group that votes on CDBG finalists for the downtown project.

The board did not take formal action on a specific project at the meeting; Paul asked commissioners to bring proposed projects and priorities back to the agency in the coming months.