The previous Kootenai County commissioners knew they had landed a gem three years ago when they purchased property with a boat launch at Carlin Bay.

But one thing was missing.

A parking lot.

"Currently, there is no place to park your vehicle once you launch your boat," observed Nick Snyder, Parks and Waterways director. "So only locals in that area are able to launch their boats, and go home and park."

But hopefully, that will be rectified soon.

The county commissioners voted unanimously at their weekly meeting on Tuesday to offer $210,000 for a neighboring property to build a parking lot.

"I think this will be a great asset," said Commissioner Jai Nelson.

If the offer is accepted, the county would build a lot with 16 trailer spaces and a few vehicle spaces, said Commissioner Dan Green.

Snyder said he would hope to obtain grant funding over the next two fiscal years to develop the lot.

"It really will be an enhancement for the facility," Snyder said. "It gives the public a reasonable and safe location to park their vehicles, other than the side of the road, as they've done for some time."

Green pointed out that the property on Highway 97 was listed at $589,000 in 2010, and $300,000 this summer.

"It's an excellent time to be acquiring real estate," he said.