Senate Bill 1044, sponsored by Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon would prohibit cities and counties from using eminent domain to acquire property “for trails, paths, greenways or other ways for walking, running, hiking, bicycling or equestrian use, unless adjacent to a highway, road or street.” In the introduction, Sen. Guthrie characterized bicycle and pedestrian facilities as nice recreational amenities…not essential transportation infrastructure such as roads. Idaho Smart Growth knows that walking and biking are essential transportation for some Idahoans.
The bill passed the full Senate and House Local Government committees; it has not been scheduled for a floor vote.
We submitted letters in opposition to the bill to the Senate and House committees; click here to see our letter to the House Committee.