COEUR d'ALENE — The final checks from the recent closure of the Lake District, one of the urban renewal districts managed by ignite cda, went out Friday.

The last of the cash assets totaling $1.2 million were sent to nine taxing districts within the Lake District boundary.

"Thank you for your continued partnership and support of ignite cda as we work to encourage sound growth and community improvements that enhance the overall quality of life in our community," wrote board chair Scott Hoskins in a letter to the districts.

Taxing districts and distribution amounts were: Kootenai County, $341,997; Kootenai County EMS, $19,887; North Idaho College, $111,728; Coeur d'Alene School District, $2,033; city of Coeur d'Alene, $599,147; Post Falls Highway, $26,879; Lakes Highway District, $1,866; East Side Highway District, $8,211 and Worley Highway District, $65,346.

Taxing districts can use the money as part of their general operations or perhaps earmark it for a specific expenditure.

The Lake District was formed in 1997. The termination date for the Lake District was Dec. 31, 2021, except for revenues to be received in 2022 as authorized by Idaho Code.

Over its 24 years, the district "has created immense value for the Coeur d'Alene community," Hoskins wrote.

It did that through increased taxable valuation through strategic public/private partnerships; and the creation and enhancement of "superior public spaces," Hoskins wrote.

Major projects within the Lake District include the Riverstone mixed-use development; McEuen Park revitalization; the Kroc Center; the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s building; McEuen Terrace; new North Idaho Centennial Trail segments; downtown parking garage; the Coeur d'Alene Public Library; Parkside Tower and the Ice Plant Townhomes.

When the Lake District was created in 1997, the tax base value of properties within the district was about $107 million.

The current tax base of the properties within the district at the time of closure was about $762 million, an increase of more than $655 million (612%) over the base value.

The district originally encompassed 729 core acres, including portions of Midtown, Downtown and Northwest Boulevard, according to its website.

In 2016, 58 acres were de-annexed resulting in $337,000 in annual revenue to the benefit of taxpayers, the city of Coeur d’Alene, and other taxing districts. When closed, the Lake District was 671 acres.

Ignite cda Executive Director Tony Berns said he was proud of the Lake District creating value and returning revenues to the districts.