POST FALLS - It's a hello and goodbye to Post Falls and Idaho with an outdoors flare.

A beautification project featuring three-dimensional steel fish protruding from concrete walls, native plants, boulders and other outdoorsy decor will unfold this summer at the new Beck Road interchange in Post Falls near the state line.

City officials say the intent is to spruce up the entry to Post Falls and the state, which prides itself on being an outdoors wonderland, and re-energize economic development on the west side of Post Falls near Cabela's and Walmart.

"I think it's a great idea to showcase Post Falls on the first exit in Idaho," said Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin. "It tells folks that we are proud of our community."

Both Interstate 90 and the popular Centennial Trail run through that area.

Nearly $100,000 worth of improvements are planned. The cost is part of the interchange construction project, which was funded under the Sales Tax Anticipation Revenue (STAR) program approved by the Idaho Legislature in 2007. Foursquare Properties, which is developing the Pointe at Post Falls project where Cabela's is, will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $35 million of approved project expenses using sales tax reimbursements from retail development within the project area.

Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company of Draper, Utah, which constructed the interchange, is collaborating with the city of Post Falls on the entry project. He said the project is expected to be constructed in June and July.

"The theme will incorporate three-dimensional fish aesthetics on concrete wall panels along Interstate 90 and Riverbend (avenue)," said Dave Williams of Ralph L. Wadsworth. "The panels were cast with a basalt rock appearance and will be stained with a color to match the basalt rock."

The overpass will have a "Welcome to the city of Post Falls" emblem attached over the eastbound lanes and a "Thank you for visiting the city of Post Falls" attached over the westbound lanes, Williams said.

Rock and boulders will be placed near the concrete walls on slopes facing the freeway and on the slope along the Centennial Trail east of the overpass.

The landscaping will include native plant species yet to be determined that will not need irrigation.

"The interchange will be somewhat similar to the look of the Northwest Boulevard interchange (in Coeur d'Alene) for landscaping with the addition of the aesthetic fish projecting out from the (concrete) walls," Williams said.

The city has agreed to maintain the landscaping.

"We will be looking for a design that will minimize the long-term maintenance costs, yet create an attractive entrance to that area," said Bill Melvin, city engineer.