Realtors group receives $10,000 in grants for Bonners Ferry

The Selkirk Association of Realtors® was awarded two $5,000 smart growth grants from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). NAR’s Smart Growth Action grants support a wide range of land-use and transportation related activities.

Each of the $5,000 grants will be used to support Bonners Ferrys current pedestrian and bicycle transportation planning efforts in partnership with Idaho Smart Growth. The City of Bonners Ferry seeks to develop a bicycle/pedestrian network plan that addresses the need for safe and convenient walking and biking routes for people ages 8 to 80. The plan will also respond to current walking and biking demand and encourage residents and visitors to bike or walk more. The complete plan will include routes to all parts of town, connections, safe crossings, and access to destinations.

Intended to improve access to transportation options known to be beneficial to individual health, the plan will also help stimulate economic development related to bike tourism. The timeline of the project is in tandem with the Idaho Transportation Department’s planned sidewalk and other connectivity related construction on Highway 95. All phases of the proposed plan are anticipated to be complete by June 2018.

“Realtors® do more than just sell real estate, they help transform communities,” said 2017 President Cindy Hunter, “The City of Bonners Ferry has a very proactive approach to creating a community with both transportation and recreation options. It’s a privilege to be part of this process.”

The members of Selkirk Association of Realtors® are active, responsible members of the community who share concerns for quality of life in their community.

The National Association of Realtors® Smart Growth Action Grants were established in 2005. For more information on NAR’s Smart Growth Action grants, visit www.realtoactioncenter.org.