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City of Priest River presents marina/master-plan concepts including Bonner Park West; commissioners ask for options and protections for public access
Summary
Priest River Mayor Connolly and representatives from StanCraft presented a multi-decade master plan for 38 acres adjacent to Bonner Park West that would add marina, RV and park amenities; county commissioners and residents pressed for assurances that local public access remain protected and requested more analysis and a public workshop.
Mayor Connolly of the City of Priest River and representatives, including project manager Jim Martin and Nelson Erickson from StanCraft, briefed the Bonner County Board on a master-plan concept for roughly 38 acres adjoining Bonner Park West that the city is exploring for park build-out, a marina, RV park and associated facilities.
Connolly said the city has held public meetings over two-plus years and is exploring partnering with StanCraft (a marine operator) to build and operate marina and RV facilities as part of a larger community plan. He said the proposed redevelopment would keep significant areas treed and vegetated and maintain wetland protections. Connolly described options to consolidate County-owned Bonner Park West into the larger project area and to reserve space for public swimming areas, boat launch, sheriff boat parking and other public uses.
Commissioners and members of the public raised several concerns: preserving permanent public access in the deed and grant documents; whether the county would receive fair market value if transferring or leasing waterfront property; how grants tied to docks or other infrastructure might impose ongoing conditions; and whether fees for parking or launching would be charged to out-of-county users while preserving free access for county residents. Former mayor and resident participants also urged that any agreement be “poured in concrete” (i.e., made legally durable) to prevent future loss of public access.
Legal and board members discussed possible deed-language protections such as reversion clauses that would preserve public access and revert title to the county if agreed conditions were violated. County counsel (Bill Wilson) suggested crafting deed language that would preserve public-access requirements and include reversion contingencies.
Multiple residents asked for more detail before the county makes any decision; commissioners suggested a workshop to evaluate options and to involve the public and stressed the county should secure protections for local residents before any transfer or lease.
Ending: No formal action was taken. The city said it will continue its planning; commissioners asked to be included in future design and lease discussions and recommended the county consider options that preserve county residents' access and specify financial terms if leasing or transferring property.
