Marine project to give Harrison a break
Courtesy of Kootenai County This photo illustration shows where the new breakwater, on the right, will be constructed to protect two marinas in Harrison and the city’s shoreline on Lake Coeur d’Alene. If the fourth and final grant is secured, the breakwater would likely be constructed in 2018.
The existing wooden breakwater structure at Harrison sustained heavy ice damage last spring, forcing Kootenai County to file an insurance claim for the first time with any of its docks. The structure received repairs before last summer's boating season as a temporary fix. (Photo courtesy of Kootenai County)
This rendering shows how amenities such as lighting and boat slips are planned for the second phase of Kootenai County's Harrison breakwater replacement project. (Courtesy of Kootenai County)
This rendering shows the overall view of how both phases of the Harrison breakwater will look. It will feature inside slips and allow for larger boat owners to tie down on the outside. (Courtesy of Kootenai County)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
HARRISON — Kootenai County is riding a wave to protect its largest public marina, a private marina and Harrison's shoreline with what is believed to be the agency's most-expensive, one-time water project ever.
Nick Snyder, the county's Parks and Waterways director, told commissioners he's hoping Phase 1 of the Harrison breakwater replacement project, estimated to cost $1 million, will be constructed in 2018.
The county began working on funding sources for the first phase of the project two and a half years ago.
"We'll submit for what we hope to be the last grant of four needed to fund Phase 1 this winter and we'll know (late spring) if it's awarded," Snyder said.
Phase 1 will replace the current 515-foot wood breakwater that's been damaged and repaired with a steel one that will last longer. The new structure will be extended 80 additional feet into Lake Coeur d'Alene to allow for more and larger boats to enter the marinas and future marina expansions.
If the grant is awarded, the project would likely go out to bid in June and be constructed from July to December.
Phase 2, which Snyder estimates wouldn't be built for at least five years until matching funds are replenished, is also expected to cost around $1 million and will include slips, potable water, lighting, power sources and floating restrooms.
Snyder said he's confident the final grant will be awarded for Phase 1.
"It's a much-needed project, and I believe it will score well with the grant committee," he said.
Grants will pay for 75 percent of the project, or an estimated $835,000, with the county pitching in $179,000.
"It's a good buy," Snyder said. "The match is from (boater registrations), not tax dollars, so if you're not a boater, you're not paying for this."
Craig Brosenne, president of the Hagadone Marine Group, said large boats have been able to dock at Harrison, but the conditions have not been ideal.
"This will allow us a better landing pad for several events..." he said. "This will be a great addition to the lake. It will make it safer and easier to have events in Harrison."
Snyder said the new breakwater will help Harrison, which depends on seasonal boat traffic for its economy and is rehabilitating its RV park.
The county's marina can accommodate 225 boats. The breakwater will create an additional 32 to 36 slips.
Snyder said the project will enhance access for the boating public. The outside of the breakwater will be accessible to larger cruise vessels and houseboats that currently can't be side-tied due to the external pilings.
Snyder said the current wood breakwater that's 11 years old has reached its useful life expectancy and sustained heavy ice damage last spring.
"For the first time, Kootenai County was forced to file an insurance claim for any of its docks," he said.
Snyder said repairs were made for a temporary fix before the boating season.
"It's in sad shape," he said. "It's at least usable, but it's time to get it replaced."