SANDPOINT — A municipal committee is seeking input on funding allocations for fiscal year 2017. Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, which currently funds the Business Improvement District, the Arts, Panida Theater, downtown streets projects and the fiber network, will review requests for funding and listen to public comments at its upcoming meeting June 7.

While the agency has already allocated all its dollars to the downtown area, it is still in the decision-making process for funding projects in the northern area of its purview. 

“Essentially, the northern district is the industrial corridor by the airport,” said Tom Bokowy, SURA boardmember. “Urban Renewal can only consider projects that have a public benefit and are in the public right of way. So, projects that benefit a private property owner cannot be considered.

Graphic Controls and Quest are two of the firms currently receiving city funding in that area.

The agency’s selection criteria include a measure of economic stimulus, the potential increase in taxable value, how many jobs are in question and the environmental impacts the project would have. Also, projects that promote urban housing, eliminate deteriorated buildings, offer unique opportunities or have proven feasibility are more likely to be funded.

The meeting starts at 7:30 a.m. in the Sandpoint City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1123 Lake St.

Information: http://sandpointurbanrenewal.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Project-Evaluation-Criteria.pdf