Action to Block Tower in Sawtooth Slips on Appeal

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Opponents of a cell tower project in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho lost an appeal to have their objections heard again, reports the Idaho Press. In denying the request, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said, “Those requests were made in good faith, and I certainly applaud them for their effort,” adding that another hearing would be merely a “cumulative” attempt to repeat things that have been said before. 

“We’ve already heard these comments,” said Wasden. “I’m not saying they’re not important, but I am saying that most of them, as I’ve seen them, have been contrary to fulfilling our constitutional duty to obtain the maximum long-term return from state endowment lands.”  

The land in question is a 50-by-75 foot plot of state endowment property near Stanley, ID. Placing a tower at that elevated location would improve reception, but its visibility is an issue for those who don’t want to see a cell tower in their mountain view. The land went up for auction last year and was sold to AT&T, the only bidder, according to the Idaho Press.

AT&T has stated its intent to build a cell tower at that location to facilitate communications for the FirstNet emergency response network. It is also willing to pay $29,000 a year for 20 years in fees. Before any construction can begin, there is still the hurdle of a National Environmental Policy Act review to overcome. Naysayers have said they will take AT&T to federal court if permission to proceed is granted. 

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