Kellogg Plan Raises Funds To Upgrade U.S. 95

New legislation may be paving the way for U.S. Highway 95 improvements.

On Monday, the House Transportation and Defense Committee heard a proposal that would raise money for upgrading Highway 95.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Hilde Kellogg, R-Post Falls, proposes to sell bonds to raise the $394 million needed to improve the dangerous, narrow north-south highway.

Kellogg’s plan calls for the bonds to be repaid with the revenue from a 4-cent increase in the fuel tax and a $12 increase in vehicle registration fees.

John Goedde, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce spokesman, said it’s time people take notice of the problems the highway faces.

“Every year we wait, the cost goes up by $10 million,” Goedde said. “If we don’t do this now, the alternate routes through Oregon and Washington will become permanent. That’s not good for Idaho.

“We have 45,000 jobs in the state dealing with exports, and (Highway) 95 is the only in-state route to the Port of Lewiston,” said Goedde.

Goedde also showed concern for the 5,000 University of Idaho students who commute on the highway numerous times a year. “Can you imagine if the mudslides had happened during break?” he asked.

The committee voted Monday to introduce the legislation. If the bill is passed by the Legislature, it will go to a statewide vote in November. If approved, improvements would begin in 1998.

, DataTimes