Idaho officials sell commercial properties for $17.3 million

Idaho officials have sold seven commercial properties for $17.3 million as part of a plan to get rid of politically contentious commercial real estate and use the money to buy timberland and agricultural land.

The Idaho Department of Lands sold the properties on Thursday in an auction that officials say brought in $4.5 million more than the appraised value of the properties.

Six of the commercial properties are in Boise and one is in Idaho Falls. Two more properties in Idaho Falls didn’t sell.

The Idaho Land Board that includes Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and four other statewide elected officials previously approved the sale.

The commercial properties in the 2014 election became a political liability for some board members when challengers contended state-owned commercial property unfairly competes with private businesses.