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New highway route, ancient Indian trails
serve similar purpose: connecting people

More than 100 people joined Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho Transportation Board chairman Darrell Manning, board member Jim Coleman, Coeur d’Alene tribal chairman Chief Allan and other dignitaries May 23 in breaking ground on the first District 1 project to be funded using GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds.

A special invocation by Cliff SiJohn, director of Cultural Awareness for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, reminded those in attendance that today’s modern highways follow many of the original trails used by Native Americans. They also are used for the same reasons – to connect people to each other and to their environment. Gov. Otter agreed with his old friend and reminded everyone how important these connections are to their daily lives.

Guests also were treated to a buffet luncheon at the Circling Raven Golf Club after the groundbreaking ceremony.

Known as U.S. 95 Worley North, the project will include more than four miles of divided, four-lane highway north of Worley and construction of a new interchange at the heavily traveled junction of U.S. 95 and Idaho 58.

The project is part of an ambitious, long-range plan by the transportation department to improve safety on Idaho’s major north-south highway by expanding it to four lanes from Lewiston to Sandpoint.

Published 6-1-07