POST FALLS - Dry port districts are being explored by local officials as a way to spark the economy and create jobs.

The first step would be to create a law enabling such freight-handling facilities to be built in Idaho like in other states such as Washington.

The district would then need local voter approval.

"It would be a new entity that would be formed after an affirmative vote of the people," said Eric Keck, Post Falls city administrator. "It would be a special purpose district. It would create jobs as well and attract a lot more interest from job generators."

Post Falls has taken the lead on the effort due to a possible site that has surfaced there and interest from agencies and companies desiring the districts that the city is in contact with. However, support from other areas will be pursued and wanted if momentum builds on the concept, Keck said.

Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin said one site possibility is along Beck Road between Seltice Way and Highway 53 on the city's west side where there is vacant land for sale that's already zoned industrial by the county.

"We are in serious conversations with a business that wants to locate (at the location) for a freight-loading facility," he said.

Larkin said that area is prime for a district because BNSF Railway has a line on the north side, Union Pacific on the south side and it's close to Interstate 90. The city has been in talks with both rail firms on the possibility.

"We feel confident we can have rail spurs on both locations," he said.

Larkin said the Coeur d'Alene Airport may be another option for a district.

He said there has been interest from some agencies such as the Idaho Transportation Department to have heavy materials transported to and from a local dry port to save on costs.

Dry ports can range anywhere from 30 to 300 acres. The districts are taxing entities.

The intention would be to attract other heavy industrial users to create jobs.

Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, said the idea to allow dry ports to be created failed in the Legislature several years ago, so it's far from a slam dunk, even with the push for job creation.

"I'm not totally against it, but it hasn't been studied or thoroughly reviewed," Henderson said. "We need to become more educated."

Henderson said there may be enough advantages to attract industry in the works without dry port legislation.

"Before we propose something, we'll have to explore the implications and consequences," he said. "It may be that businesses locating to dry ports have tax advantages that existing districts don't have, and that may not be fair."