Spokane’s Journal of Business recently published an article about how WashPIRG, a Seattle-based special interest group, says Spokane’s North Spokane Corridor (NSC) is a “boondoggle.” The group says the NSC will contribute to sprawl, displace homes and homeowners, is a bigger project than is needed, and takes money away from other transportation needs in the area.
Today, Greater Spokane Incorporated CEO Todd Mielke and Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors Executive Director Cheryl Stewart are hitting back with a guest commentary in the Journal. The two point out that WashPIRG is not a local group, so not familiar with local needs. They also says that Spokane’s population has grown and our role as a transportation hub expanded, with a substantial and increasing volume of truck and car traffic putting a financial burden for the street maintenance on the local community, using local funds.
They go on to say that the lack of a north-south route has increased air pollution, congestion, and traffic delays. And don’t forget, the NSC comes with a new bicycle/pedestrian trail we didn’t have before.
Anyway, if you want to see all the arguments for a north-south freeway, you can read the entire article at the link above.