United States Senator Tom Coburn United States Senator Tom Coburn
United States Senator Tom Coburn United States Senator Tom Coburn
Text Only version link Text Size label Default text size link Large text size link Extra-large text size link  
 
Waste of the DayEmail Dr. Coburn
Press Room - News Stories


Print this page
Print this page


Selkirk Loop Lands $114K Federal Grant


By R.J. Cohn

Ruralnorthwest.com (Idaho)


December 8, 2008


For the third consecutive year, the Bonners Ferry-based International Selkirk Loop has been awarded a Federal Highway Administration grant under the National Scenic Byways Program.

Only one of three recipients in Idaho to receive FHA funding, the $114,800 grant will go towards creating an International gateway sign fronting Highway 95 in downtown Bonners Ferry along with a recreational trip guide that will be distributed at the Visitor's Center and other amenities.

"We're absolutely thrilled about the grant," said International Selkirk Loop's Operational Director. "It's the third one we've been awarded through the FHA since 2005."

Funds will be allocated after Jan. 1, 2009, when Congress is back in session. Graham said 20 percent of the FHA grant - or $29,400 - will come in the form of a match for the 289-mile scenic loop that was designated a national byway in 2005. One of only 27 multi-state scenic highways in the U.S., the Selkirk Loop is also one of 17 byways with an All-American Road designation and the only International byway.

Graham said $33,600 will fund the installation of a Bonners Ferry "Gateway" sign on the strip of land across from City Hall, where banners and other signs announcing events are posted. She said the city will provide the match through labor by installing the sign.

"It's going to be very lovely," she added. "It'll be a great bonus for the city."

Additionally, $22,400 of the grant - which includes a $5,600 match - is earmarked to produce a recreational trip guide. Visitors will be able to tear off the guide from a tablet at the Visitors Center counter that will include a map of the loop on one side with two-day trips in Idaho, Washington State and British Columbia on the reverse side.

"It's a great idea because when people come to the Visitor's Center asking about what there is to do here, it's designed to keep people in the area with a map in their hand," said Graham.

The grant will also provide funds for an interpretive sign at McArthur Lake installed by Idaho Fish and Game that Graham said will have U.S. National Park Service signage quality. Three other signs will be posted at scenic overlooks of the Selkirk Mountains and the Kootenai Valley at Highway 1 and U.S. 95 realignment junction.

A Gateway site plan for a sign is also planned for the north end of the Long Bridge in Sandpoint, as well as at several other site plans for future development in Bonner County and Washington State.

About $5,000 of the grant will used for to improve the Selkirk Loop's website.

Earlier this year, the International Selkirk Loop became something of a media darling when seven publications - including USA Today - featured stories and lengthy articles about the loop, which reached an estimated 5 to 7 million readers in publications like AAA tour books, Good Sam Club's Highways Magazine and others.

Rand McNally's 2009 Road Atlas selected the loop as one of their five annual picks for "must see and do drives."



December 2008 News



Right Now! link
Oversight Action
Your Tax Dollars At Work
Subcommittee link
Stop Secret Spending
Health Care Reform
Pork Busters link
National Debt title
$9,703,054,424,050.00
$31,684.73 Per Citizen