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Bonner County marine unit proposes engine repower and Garfield Bay breakwater to protect county dock
Summary
The county marine unit asked the Waterways Advisory Committee to support repowering two large rescue boats (estimated $62,000–$65,000) and building a pilings/wood breakwater at Garfield Bay with optional decking and a floating dock (about $90,000 base; $126,000 if decked), citing repeated damage from swells and wintertime access needs.
An unnamed representative of Bonner County’s marine unit told the Waterways Advisory Committee the unit operates seven boats and two larger 30‑foot vessels are nearing their 4,000‑hour service cap. He requested WIF funding to repower Marine 6 with two new 250 hp engines, citing a prior estimate of about $62,000 and a working estimate of $65,000; he proposed a local match in the $20,000–$25,000 range.
The same representative described recurring damage to the county dock in Garfield Bay caused by swells that “hammer” the dock and make keeping a boat deployed there unsustainable. He proposed a timber pilings breakwater (~40 ft by 10 ft in an L shape) to protect the dock, estimated at about $90,000. A second option would deck the breakwater and add a floating connecting dock at full pool, increasing total projected costs to roughly $126,000 with an anticipated 10–15% match.
Committee members asked about materials (pilings and wood decking rather than riprap), dimensions, how many additional boat parking slips might be created (estimates ranged 1–6 depending on boat size), maintenance responsibility (county Parks & Waterways), and whether the marine division or county should be the formal applicant. Staff confirmed the county typically administers such grants and recommended joint coordination, letters of support and clear documentation of county ownership and maintenance plans.
The marine representative said the breakwater would protect the county dock, add usable full‑pool dock space, and reduce damage and employee injuries caused by repeated impacts. Committee members expressed support in concept and advised moving the project forward to the January action agenda for formal endorsement.
