POST FALLS - A proposal that would fund an Interstate 90 overpass on Greensferry Road in Post Falls is advancing in the city and urban renewal processes.

The plan, which would extend the expiration year of the East Post Falls Urban Renewal District from 2015 to 2022, will be considered by the Post Falls City Council after a public hearing on Dec. 4.

The council earlier this year agreed to consider the proposal again after turning it down nearly two years ago, partially because it involves federal property.

However, new life came when citizen and business surveys indicated strong support for the project aimed at creating another north-south passage across I-90 to enhance vehicle and pedestrian traffic and emergency response.

"If it proceeds, it will be positive in many aspects," Mayor Clay Larkin said.

The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency in October passed a resolution recommending extending the life of the East Post Falls URD. The city's Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday agreed that the proposal is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.

The overpass, which would be between the Highway 41 interchange and the westbound offramp at Seltice Way, is listed as one of the original projects in the URD's plan adopted in 2002.

"We anticipate additional business development along the Greensferry corridor," said Tom Lien, URA executive director.

With urban renewal districts, incremental taxes that are paid based on the higher assessed values after development are remitted to the URA and are, in turn, paid to the proponent or developer for the cost of the infrastructure to improve the district.

The project is estimated to cost $14 million for construction, $2 million for right of way acquisition and $1.2 million for preliminary and final engineering.

City and urban renewal officials have said construction could begin as early as 2014 if the URD's extension is approved.

Some details about the project, including who would manage the design and construction of the overpass and be responsible for the right of way acquisition and maintenance, are being discussed by city, state and urban renewal officials.