SmaK Plastics Opens Hayden Facility

SmaK Plastics, Inc., manufacturer of rotationally molded plastic bins and bin liners, pallets, tanks, and hoppers, has opened a facility in Hayden, Idaho. The business, SmaK Products, Inc is the second facility operated by SmaK Plastics, Inc., creating about 45 new jobs in the area and approximately $10.2 million in wages over the next seven years.

Read SmaK Plastics’ blog or visit http://smakplastics.com to learn more.

Idaho Transportation Hosts Hands-on Heavy Equipment Operator Course

The Idaho Transportation Department hosted a free three-week hands-on heavy equipment operator course at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus. The course aims to help fill the skilled labor employment gap in the booming construction industry and gives veterans, women and minorities a chance boost their careers.

Of the 700 applicants, 19 were chosen to participate. The course, which allows students to operate several pieces of equipment including an excavator, backhoe, grader, roller, forklift and dozer, is funded with a $198,000 Ladders of Opportunity grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eight states were awarded the grants after 40 applied.

To learn more, read the Coeur d’Alene Press article.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area Expansion Approved

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area has received approval from the U.S. Forest Service of the first phase of its expansion plan.

The expansion increases the special-use permit area by 458 acres (from 538 acres to a total of 1,023 acres) and includes two new chairlifts to the summit of Eagle Peak with a top elevation of 6,150'. The two new chairlifts will access 14 runs plus gladed areas on the north and east aspects of the new peak. Lookout's vertical drop will increase to 1,650'. An additional base lodge (14,000 square feet from a previous approval) and maintenance facilities are also included in the Phase I Master Development Plan plus 130 additional parking spaces.

To learn more, visit https://skilookout.com/future-expansion.

Renovation of Spokane's Ridpath Hotel Underway

Renovation of the Ridpath Hotel in downtown Spokane is underway. The renovation work is valued at $7.7 million, the permit shows. The developer, Ron Wells, had earlier estimated the total project cost at upwards of $20 million, including the hotel acquisition costs.

The Ridpath Club Apartments LLC project will convert former hotel rooms into 206 apartment units on the second through 11th floors of the 13-story Ridpath Tower and the attached four-story east annex. A restaurant and other first-floor commercial space are also envisioned for the project. The 12th and 13th floors are being developed separately into four luxury condominium units.

To learn more, read the Spokane Journal of Business article.

$12 Million Complex Planned for Spokane's South Hill

A $12 million medical and professional office complex envisioned at the base of Spokane’s lower South Hill is in the early planning stages. Plans state that the project will include a six-story, 68,000-square-foot building and a five-level parking structure.

To learn more, read the article in the Spokane Journal of Business.

BNSF Railway Co. to Add 10 Miles of Double Track in North Idaho

BNSF Railway Co. is adding 10 miles of double track in North Idaho. The $50 million project will add a second set of tracks to help ease congestion between Athol and Rathdrum. Completion of this project is expected to finish later this year.

Learn more in the BNSF news article.

New Medical Plaza Planned for Hayden

The proposed Hayden Medical Plaza, a two-story, 59,000 square foot modern office building, is set to address the aging and growing population in Hayden. The development will also feature an above ground parking lot and underground parking garage. With the building opening next year, marketing and leasing is under way.

To learn more, read the Inland Northwest Business article.