Cd'A Lake Drive master plan pursued

City officials last week met with the Idaho Transportation Department to address who should be responsible for maintaining Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive, a 5-mile stretch that runs along the lake east of Coeur d'Alene.

 According to information released Monday by the city, ITD has committed to hire a land use consultant to develop a master plan that would outline responsible parties for maintaining the corridor, which dead-ends at Higgens Point.

“The consultant will determine what parties should be involved, who’s taking over what, and who is responsible for what,” said ITD project development engineer Jerry Wilson. “There should be one underlining owner of the property.”

ITD currently holds ownership of the corridor, but is no longer interested in it because the property is no longer part of the interstate highway system. It was abandoned when the new freeway opened in 1991. Transportation officials previously offered the city $3 million to take over control, but after numerous discussions it was decided that the best way to proceed for all interested parties was through the development of a master plan.

City administrator Wendy Gabriel said once hired, the ITD consultant will meet with various stakeholders to address three major areas: Enhancing public access and recreational opportunities; addressing technical and engineering issues; and determining property ownership, including the identification of parcels that can be bought and sold.

Agencies that will be involved in the planning process the city, Kootenai County Parks and Waterways, East Side Highway District, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, and the 4-county Natural Resource Committee. Adjacent property owners will also be included in the planning process.

Wilson said preparation of a master plan outlining a joint powers agreement will take about a year.