COEUR d’ALENE — Once it’s completed this year, the city’s downtown parking garage could generate as much as $90,000 annually that may be used to help fund the city’s parking program and maintenance of the city’s parks.

With the four-story parking structure, a $7.3 million project on Coeur d’Alene Avenue between Third and Fourth streets, slated for completion within a few weeks, council members approved a fee schedule that calls for two hours of free parking in the garage with $1 for each additional hour.

City administrator Troy Tymesen said parking garages are the least favorable place to keep a car or truck for most motorists who prefer to park on the street and close to their destination.

Keeping costs down will entice motorists to park in the concrete facility two blocks off Sherman Avenue, the city’s main street and six blocks from City Beach.

“Parking garages are the least liked way for the public to go park,” Tymesen told council members this week. “We want circulation.”

Keeping costs low will likely increase use and turnover.

Tymesen, who is part of the city’s parking commission, said members unanimously recommended a fee schedule that includes a charge of $15 per month for downtown workers, a $75 per month charge for secured, ground level parking with a garage door entrance, and five-day passes for $20 per month.

Tymesen suggested money generated at the unmanned garage be used to maintain the facility and city parks, although so far the cash has not been earmarked.

Once it opens, it will be cheaper to park in the new garage than at McEuen Field or Independence Point, he said.

Once the four-story structure is completed, it will be managed by the city.

“There will be cameras strategically placed throughout the garage to assist with public safety, including the secured parking area off Third Street,” Tymesen said.

The city will also sell 7-day passes for $35 per month, and increase event parking from $7 to $10 in the lot when it is leased to the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.

Tymesen said the philosophy is to provide as many people as possible with very reasonable parking.

“It’s covered,” he said. “And it’s looking like a very great structure.”