SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners voted Tuesday in approval of a professional service agreement to negotiate services for acquisition regarding the Spirit Lake Cutoff curves safety project. Clarifications for open board positions were also provided.

Matt Mulder, staff engineer for the Road and Bridge Department, sought approval to begin negotiations between the department and two landowners impacted by construction of the Spirit Lake Cutoff safety project. The project — funded through a 2022 LHTAC safety grant — will realign a stretch of road on Spirit Lake Cutoff near Beare Road to improve safety as well as add guardrails. The grant will fund an estimated three quarters of the project, totaling around $1.5 million. The remaining costs will be covered by a grant match.  

“We've had quite a few fatal accidents, serious accidents, and untold numbers of property damage from cars taking these corners, which are not suitable for 45 mile per hour speed limit,” Mulder told commissioners. “The 90-degree quarter near Beare Road, which is suitable for a 15 mile per hour as it currently sits, we're wanting to realign that curve and make it appropriate for a 45 mile per hour speed limit.” 

The motion passed with unanimous approval with Commissioner Brian Domke, Commissioner Asia Williams and Commissioner Ron Korn all voting in favor. 

Additionally, Williams emphasized the necessity of district representation through volunteer board positions. All commissioners agreed, with Williams and Korn suggesting the county should advertise available positions twice to give the public a chance to represent themselves.  

“We want to do more, or we don't get what we're looking for. Because the reason we want them [volunteers] from a [specific] district is so that there's local contact in that area,” Williams said.  

Current committee positions are open for the Bonner County Solid Waste Advisory Committee and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/412uGqj.