POST FALLS - The Post Falls City Council tonight will consider whether to fund two bicycle/pedestrian trails if grants can be obtained.

One of the projects, a half-mile stretch on the east side of Highway 41 from Seltice Way to Mullan Avenue that's in the East Post Falls Urban Renewal District, was shelved last year due to cost concerns.

The project is estimated to cost $800,000 and the urban renewal agency would fund a matching portion of $300,000. About $75,000 in urban renewal funds was spent on engineering for the project earlier.

"We have a shovel-ready project because the engineering is done," said Tom Lien, URA executive director.

Lien said if the trail gets new life, he doesn't expect that to impact funding the Greensferry Road overpass and Spencer Street extension to Seltice Way, other projects in the East Post Falls URD that expires in 2022.

The other bike/pedestrian project eligible for grant funding is along the south side of Seltice Way from Idaho to Bay streets including a section over Interstate 90.

That project is estimated to cost $670,000 and the match from the city's General Fund would be $170,000.

Small dirt trails exist in both locations. Bill Melvin, city engineer, said the city council is being asked whether it wants to partially fund paving both stretches.

Both sections are considered critical to the connectivity of future pathways, Melvin said. The grant funding opportunities are through the state via a program called Community Choices for Idaho.

* In other business, the council will hold a public hearing on fee increase proposals that would go into effect on Oct. 1.

The largest increase would be the wastewater rate, which is proposed to increase 14.5 percent due to more stringent water quality standards for the Spokane River mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The city discharges treated wastewater to the river.

For the average household, the rate would increase from $29.51 per month to $33.79. More wastewater rate hikes are expected for future years due to the mandate.

The water rate is proposed to increase 2.5 percent - 15 cents a month for the average user - and the sanitation rate 5 percent - 54 cents a month.

The council is also expected to approve purchasing land on Third Avenue from Idaho Veneer for $69,307 for a new lift station.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St.