The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has denied a grant extension for a proposed RV campground next to the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

While the project is already in the second of four phases, the lack of movement on the project over the past few months was one of the reasons IDPR officials said they decided to deny the extension request. In addition to the absence of movement, the lack of completed bids as well as the fair board’s disapproval of the project were the other two reasons stated for the denial.

“IDPR deems the best course of action is to not extend the grant at this time,” a letter to the commissioners read.

IDPR staff encouraged the county to submit a new grant proposal that could build off of the work that was already completed in the project’s first phase during the next grant cycle, which closes Jan. 26, 2024. However, at this time, the IDPR’s letter stated the staff “believes a fresh start can be in the best interests of all parties.”

While there seemed to be no pushback to the project during Phase I, opposition to construction of the RV campground began when the second phase began. The main point of contention is the location of the proposed campground — a parcel of land directly between the fairgrounds and the jail. Although no documents have been brought forward to support this idea, some county residents believe that piece of property was set aside for a future jail extension.

Regardless of the claim, commissioners pushed forward with the request for grant extension to finish Phase II, only to be met with another roadblock. In mid-May, the Bonner County Fair Board released a statement stating they were denying the IDPR grant for the fairgrounds as they did not believe they had a sufficient voice in the planning process.

While the fair board’s statement of denial had no direct impact on the grant funding, it put enough doubt in IDPR staff’s minds to be cited as one of the reasons for the denial.

It is unclear what the county’s next steps will be regarding the RV campground.