20250509Comment_1.pdf

GVD Partners, LP E C E i V E D
909 W. 15f Avenue, Ste. B, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone [phone] HAY -9 PM 0 17
April 30, 2025 PUBLIC
ly- COMMISSION
Avista Corp
PO Box 3727
1411 E Mission Ave
Spokane,Washington 99220 VIA CERTIFIED USPS ONLY
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720 VIA CERTIFIED USPS ONLY
Re: Opposition to Proposed Cost Increases—Residential Development Rates
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for your letter dated April 25, 2025, regarding the proposed updates to Avista's residential
development costs, filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
Please be advised that GVD Partners, LP is opposed to the proposed changes. The increased charges—
specifically the builder non-refundable payment increase from $883 to $1,304 and the developer
contribution rising to $3,333 per lot—pose a significant burden on project feasibility and long-term
affordability.
In North Idaho, we are already facing a well-documented housing affordability crisis. The market is under
immense pressure from rising material and labor costs, limited inventory, and population growth that
continues to outpace housing supply.Added utility-related development costs threaten to further inflate the
price of new homes,placing additional strain on both developers and end-buyers.
From a feasibility standpoint,these increases narrow already tight margins for residential projects.In many
cases, they could render moderately priced developments financially unviable, ultimately discouraging
investment in much-needed housing. These added costs also undermine efforts by developers to meet the
demand for entry-level and workforce housing—segments that are already critically underserved.
We respectfully request that our opposition to this proposal be formally noted. We urge Avista and the
Commission to consider the regional impact of these increases and seek solutions that support both
infrastructure needs and the goal of sustainable, affordable housing development.
Please feel free to reach out should you require any further information.
rely,
2�
J rey R. Bornholdt
Vice President