There could be more laughs, more screams, more sugary treats on Silverwood property in upcoming years.

On Thursday, the Kootenai County commissioners approved the Athol amusement park's request to rezone 95.5 acres of adjacent land, where Silverwood plans to eventually expand attractions.

"It could be roller coasters to kiddie rides to food venues," said Silverwood spokeswoman Nancy DiGiammarco during her presentation before the officials.

After a one-hour hearing - pretty brief, in the commissioner world - the officials voted 2-0 to rezone the acreage from rural to commercial, which will allow for theme park development.

Commissioner Todd Tondee pointed out that the triangular property fronting Highway 95 is already bordered on the west by railroad tracks, and sits just south of Silverwood Theme Park, across Brunner Road.

"It fits with the neighborhood," Tondee said. "It will not be a detriment to surrounding property owners."

Commissioner Jai Nelson said she had no issues with the proposal.

"Where its situated, it's a good fit for commercial," she said.

Commissioner Dan Green recused himself from the hearing, as one of his sons has a summer job at the park.

Silverwood will still need to go to the commissioners for approval of any new projects on the property.

DiGiammarco said there is no deadline yet for when new projects will start.

The company will wait, though, until after the Idaho Transportation Department completes the expansion of Highway 95 and an interchange leading to a new park entrance.

"At this point, this is just, 'Let's get it rezoned, and from there, let's make plans,'" she said.

She assured that the property and park owner, Gary Norton, has no intentions of building a hotel on the rezoned acreage.

Prior to the vote, DiGiammarco gave an overview of Silverwood's benefits to the area, like bringing in 628,000 guests last year, with out-of-town guests estimated to spend $79.5 million during their stays.

The park also employs 79 year-round and 1,200 seasonal workers, she said.

Others associated with the tourism industry lauded the park's impact on the county.

Jame Davis, vice president of tourism with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, noted that the park brings in tourists to the area and provides local jobs.

Allowing the park to add more attractions would help it keep a competitive edge in bringing in visitors, said Steve Wilson, interim president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.

"Travel and tourism in today's economy is really, really intense. It's very competitive," he said.

Daryl Ann Kyle, who co-owns an Athol bed and breakfast, said that 95 percent of her guests in the summer go to Silverwood.

Those who come just for that purpose, she added, typically do some serious shopping, too.

"One confessed to just looking at a motorcycle store and buying a Harley," Kyle said.

She teared up while discussing Silverwood's philanthropic activities, like scholarships for college students and free tickets for kids in a reading program.

"The trickle down effect from Silverwood sends dollars into the community," she said.

No one spoke in opposition of the proposal.

DiGiammarco said there aren't ideas yet for what will end up on the rezoned property.

"We're very appreciate of them acknowledging the impact Silverwood has, and wanting to see us continue to bring visitors to North Idaho," she said.