Bonner County waterways board outlines ORFAC grant projects, backs county grant support

Bonner County’s Waterways Advisory Committee on Jan. 23 reviewed a $60,000 ORFAC grant to repair damage at Granite Creek and to replace navigation lights at Pendre and approved a motion to support a county waterways grant request.

The committee heard that the ORFAC award will be applied to Granite Creek dock repairs and to restore navigation lights damaged by wind. “That’s the goal. Get that sucker fixed,” Bonner County Recreation and Waterways Director Matt said during the presentation. He also clarified confusion from an earlier meeting about Coolin City Beach funding: “The funding for Coolin City Beach is coming from the Priest Lake Lions Club,” Matt said, adding the department is seeking additional outside funding for other projects.

Committee members asked for updates on follow-ups from prior meetings, including outreach to Idaho Department of Lands about illegally placed buoys and a five‑year plan contact with Kootenay County; Matt said both items remain on his list and that planning is occurring behind the scenes. The committee moved, and by unanimous voice vote indicated support for the county waterways grant request; the minutes did not record the mover and seconder by name.

Board discussion included operational details tied to maintenance requests: Matt explained that buoy and navigation‑light work typically requires a three‑ to four‑person crew and two vehicles for remote launches, and that older fleet vehicles (a Kodiak) are showing higher maintenance costs. He said the department plans to sell or auction the old Kodiak within county channels rather than trade it in.

The committee did not adopt new requirements or funding commitments beyond the motion of support. Chair Ray said he will sign the committee’s approval to accompany any formal grant packet when required.

Votes at a glance • Motion to support Bonner County waterways grant request — outcome: approved (unanimous).