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M a r c h 9 , 2 0 1 1 • Vo l . 4 • N o . 1 0 • w w w.T h e W e e k l y S u n . c o m
ahead of the curve
Primer on Urban Renewal Areas II By JIMA RICE
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wo weeks ago I offered Part I of this Primer, describing how the purpose of a URA is to transform deteriorated areas into places of economic vitality that bring jobs, enhance real estate values, and enlarge the tax base. These specially designated areas, run by an appointed urban renewal agency (URA), are funded by tax increment financing (TIF) in which a base tax value is set for the renewal area and the URA banks the difference between the base and increased tax values for up to 24 years. URA money is used to purchase land, remove/renovate buildings, provide public amenities (e.g., parks and parking), and install streets and utilities in order to attract job-creating businesses to a struggling area and help stabilize it. Urban renewal programs are praised by communities that have used them to revitalize areas that might otherwise have remained stagnant, unsafe, or undeveloped. URAs enable long-term planning, independent of yearly government budgeting. They encourage community collaboration in planning for the future and can enable lower tax levies as the tax base increases with time. URAs also have potential drawbacks: conflicts of interest, weak public accountability, and poor financial management. Ultimately, a URA’s success relies on commissioner expertise, good faith practices, and adherence to legislative intentions. Currently, Ketchum has three urban renewal areas; Hailey is considering one. How are we doing regarding our foray into urban renewal and what should we consider moving forward? Conflicts of interest: Idaho Code describes a URA as a legal body of 3-9 commissioners appointed and approved by the Mayor and City Council, respectively. Commissioners should have varied backgrounds pertinent to implementing an urban renewal plan. They must have no economic interest in the urban renewal area. They may include representatives from taxing districts whose taxes are being diverted to the URA. Ketchum’s Mayor and City Council have served as URA Commissioners
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Writers with ideas wanted
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s we (the paper you hold in your hand) continue to grow, we look to add some fresh new features and voices to our pages. Beginning with last week’s issue, you’ve find changes large and small…very exciting stuff, to be sure. Next to our name change, the biggest thing you may have noticed is that each week we’re leading off with a great new feature story. Are you a writer with a passion for the Wood River Valley lifestyle? We’d love to hear from you! Have an idea for an interesting feature? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an e-mail at: editor@ theweeklysun.com with your ideas and maybe a sample or two. tws See you next week!
Carey
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s t a n l e y • F a i r f i e l d • S h o sh o n e • P i c a b o
De Temps Antan foot stomping music at Sun Valley Opera House this Saturday
Kindercup Race at Dollar this Saturday Page 3
A toast to Papa at the Moveable Feast Page 6
ERC talks greening your home read about it on PaGe 4
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Steelhead return home Story and Photos By JASON ROTH
Today, Shepp is known as one of the most respected outfitters and guest ranches in the region. It has been operated for over 20 years by the capable hands of managers Mike and here is a healthy return of Pacific steelLynn Demerse. head in the lower and middle sections I had never been to Shepp until this past weekend. of the Salmon River right now. In real need of a steelhead fix, I booked a trip to the A portion of this run will reach the ranch with my best fishing friend, Paul Hopfenupper Salmon, and into the Stanbeck, who also happens to be ley Basin in later March and Lynn’s brother. The fishing throughout April. Those who was good, but the company choose to take part in this and the scenery were even world-class fishery should better. be rewarded with many Landing on the Shepp vivid memories to last a sandbar for the first time felt lifetime. The fishery is as comfortable and familiar as also a signal, a surefire pulling into my own driveway. sign that winter is on its We were booked into the lodge with way out the door. another group of really good people from A coming together of Boise. They and the lodge staff became conditions including ample instant friends and, before long, rolling laughspring runoff that flushed ter filled the canyon and the main lodge. them to the sea as smolts, For three days we ate incredible, family-style and favorable ocean conditions meals together. We caught big, nerve-shattering once they got there, have helped steelhead. We exchanged bet money with whothese overgrown sea-run rainbow ever had caught the first, most and biggest fish of trout fin home to refresh their cycle each day. We laughed at tall tales, fishing lies and of life. good-natured ribbing Once they enter fresh water at the around the main lodge mouth of the Columbia River, some fireplace. We retired Snake River steelhead (the ones we to clean, comfortable get in the upper Salmon) will cover cabins at the end an epic 900-plus-mile journey inside of the evening, and three different and distinct river feel asleep to the systems. They will then spawn high dull roaring of both up in the system where they themCrooked Creek and selves were hatched a few years the Salmon River. before, just northwest of Galena And we did all this Summit and near the headwaters of within a mesmerthe main Salmon. izingly beautiful, But before they get up that jagged and roadless high, they must first pass by stretch of the Wild historic Shepp Ranch, which is & Scenic Salmon located roughly 44 miles east Ron Stenquist, from Boise, River corridor. with a beautiful 14 lb. (upstream) of Riggins, Idaho. male steelhead. It’s been said Shepp’s history is rich, and has that many firstbeen secured by generations of tough-willed time Shepp Ranch and awe-inspiring characters that have shaped its foundation Getting There guests leave saying over the past 100 years. w w w.sheppranch.com that they’ve Charlie Shepp and Pete Klinkhammer purchased mining Most guests drive to Riggins, never seen rights and began homesteading on the east bank of then upstream 26 miles to anything like Crooked Creek in the winter the end of the road at the it, and that of 1909-10. Paul Vinegar Creek boat landing. it’s their new and Marybelle There, the ranch jet boat favorite place Filer purchased picks you up for an incredon the planet. the ranch in ibly scenic, 45-minute boat Having just 1950. They ride upstream to the ranch. returned from were tough and Suggested Read my first Shepp tenacious, and “The River of No Return” experience, are credited with by Johnny Carrey and Cort I totally get shaping the ranch Conley. that now. into what it is today. They develtws oped an airstrip, About the Author: most of the present Jason Roth moved to the Wood River Valley in buildings and cre1977 and has enjoyed the great outdoors ever ated a successful since. The ‘87 Wood River High graduate, then outfitting business went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from The Colthat has been in lege of Idaho (‘91), with a Creative Writing existence for over 50 minor. He is the designated broker and coyears. owner of Legacy Group Real Estate in Hailey.
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