Panel Oks Plan For Moscow-Pullman Corridor Despite Opposition, It Would Allow Some Development Along State Highway

The Whitman County Planning Commission approved an unpopular plan to allow restricted development in the Moscow-Pullman corridor Wednesday.

“It passed with six affirmative votes, two nay votes and one abstention,” Whitman County planner Mark Bordsen said.

Voting against the plan were rural Colfax resident Robert Schultz and rural Colton resident Justine Rupp.

Not voting was Clinton Miller of Lamont, who abstained because of a conflict of interest.

The move comes nearly two weeks after the commission backed off on a decision in the face of significant opposition.

About 100 people attended that May 20 meeting.

Many residents feared corridor development would further congest traffic and disrupt the environment in what is now an eight-mile stretch of mostly rolling hills and Paradise Creek wetlands.

The Whitman County Property Owners Association opposed the plan because members felt it was unreasonably restrictive, calling for development limitations such as a 50 percent green space requirement.

Several governmental agencies also asked that the commission not move ahead on its own.

Representatives from the cities of Moscow and Pullman called for more regional cooperation.

The Washington Department of Transportation requested the commission delay a decision until after July, when the agency has a solid plan for improvements along the corridor, also known as state route 270.

The issue now goes to the Whitman County commissioners, who can choose to conduct another public hearing before making a final decision.