Spokane County approves land, sewer deal

County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday to trade 70 acres of undeveloped Spokane County Raceway land for Airway Heights sewer and water connections.

The deal was in trouble last week after city officials balked at lack of a sunset clause for a requirement to give the county half of the city’s admissions tax receipts.

Commissioner Bonnie Mager recommended a 30-year sunset to save the agreement, but Commissioners Mark Richard and Todd Mielke objected. City officials offered a compromise in which the money will be spent according to a city-reviewed capital improvement plan.

The deal now goes to the Airway Heights City Council, where Mayor Patrick Rushing predicted it will pass “easily.”

The council wants the land for a regional sports park and underground disposal of treated wastewater.