Thursday, December 19, 2024
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Hearing tonight on Post Falls marina project

by BILL BULEY
Staff Writer | December 19, 2024 1:05 AM

The Idaho Department of Lands is seeking comment on a proposed marina expansion on the Spokane River.

A public hearing is scheduled 4 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Coeur d'Alene High School auditorium.

StanCraft, which made improvements to Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River in Post Falls since buying it earlier this year, is also renovating the marina.

According to a legal notice published in The Press, 414 PF Hospitality, LLC has submitted an application to the Department of Lands to "expand the existing commercial marina including private moorage, reconfigure existing fuel lines with two new dispensaries and build a new ship store on the Spokane River."

The "evidentiary hearing" is an opportunity to offer testimony regarding the proposed project.

StanCraft has made significant repairs to the marina docks since acquiring it. The security system was replaced with new cameras and gates, the landscaping was redone, the gas shack was remodeled, the fuel system was replaced and upgraded, the pump out system was repaired and the snack shack was renovated.

StanCraft, a Hayden-based private family of companies, in partnership with an investor group, announced the acquisition of Templin’s on the River in May.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to improve a landmark in the city in which StanCraft planted roots in North Idaho,” according to a company statement released earlier this year. 

Founded in 1986, Templin’s is a 167-room waterfront hotel, bar and marina. The hotel is being upgraded with updated amenities, landscaping, lighting and guest room enhancements. 

The marina work was completed by StanCraft Marine Construction. The rest of the improvements were led by StanCraft Construction Group. 

In an Oct. 28 letter to the Idaho Department of Lands, residents Scott and Sheryl Scofield, Jose Jara and Dick Teich outlined concerns about the project, including with lighting and additional boat slips. They requested a public hearing.

The Department of Environmental Quality's Surface Water section reviewed the application and had no comment. 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game also reviewed the application and did not comment.

According to the legal notice, written objections or comments on the project must be directed to navigablewaters@idl.idaho.gov and be on file with the Idaho Department of Lands by Dec. 27.