Recent Press coverage about how Post Falls is exploring what they refer to as "dry port districts" shows that there's considerable misunderstanding about the current and future transportation options in this area.

Beck Road is a less desirable place to locate such a project, at least the first phase of it, when you consider that Pleasantview Road already has a direct connection to I-90 and two truck refueling stops, and it brings truck traffic right through existing commercial/industrial sites near Prairie Avenue where there is ample room for growth. Those sites are also in easy reach of BNSF's existing branch line into Post Falls. There's no need to construct a new branch off the BNSF or UP main lines there.

Looking ahead, Pleasantview is slated to get a new overpass (like the one at Trent and Sullivan) to replace the BNSF crossing. Once that's done, all other crossings east to Rathdrum and west to the state line are supposed to be closed. Pleasantview is where the immediate opportunity for road and rail shipping will lie, more than Beck.

In the meantime, Post Falls should look at opportunities along the BNSF branch that already runs into town. There are three Post Falls businesses currently served by that line, plus additional sites where new companies could be added, especially on the south side of Seltice Way east of Highway 41. These shovel-ready locations for attracting new jobs and business will be lost if Post Falls heads down the wrong path.

BRUCE KELLY

Post Falls