SPOKANE, Wash. — A study of Latah Valley’s traffic and growth will be conducted to help the city figure out what kind of infrastructure to invest in.
For years, Latah Valley residents have voiced concerns about safety issues and lack of appropriate infrastructure amidst growing housing developments.
“We have been waiting two-and-a-half decades for infrastructure that should have been placed before the development happened,” said Latah Valley resident, Claudia Lobb.
There is currently a moratorium on new developments in Latah Valley through May 2025, but already approved developments are still under construction.
The growing population has posed a safety risk in times of crisis, including wildfires.
“So, when we look at roads, we have missing roads. Last time we saw that, throughout the last couple of summers, with fire evacuations, people are told to head south, and there is no south. You have a lot of dead end streets and a lot of missing connectivity,” said Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon.
The study, funded through ARPA funds, will cost $200,000 and study Latah Valley’s safety and infrastructure needs through June 2026.
“Our hopes are that this plan will create a way for all stakeholders, the developers, the residents and everyone to be able to come together, to strategically plan to protect the quality an the character of this wonderful environmental gem of an area that we live in and to protect it for future generations,” said Lobb.
The city says ongoing work will continue as the study is conducted, however the ultimate goal is for the study to guide Latah Valley’s future plans.
Lobb said many residents are hopeful about the study.
“We residents are very encouraged. We applaud the city for taking a positive step forward,” she said.
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