The Hayden Lake Marina could see a complete overhaul as soon as this fall.

An application filed in October with the Idaho Department of Lands seeks to remove and replace the existing docks with a new configuration that would include 32 new slips, according to documents obtained by The Press.

The applicant listed for the project is Southern Marinas Hayden Lake, LLC. Hayden Lake Marina was originally acquired by Southern Marinas in 2021.

“The primary purpose of this project is to modernize and expand the Hayden Lake Marina docks to meet current industry standards for boat sizes, which now average 24 to 26 feet,” the applicant said in a statement.

The reaction from some nearby residents has been generally positive.

“As an interested party who has been on the waitlist for several years and a North Idaho resident, I believe this project will be of great benefit to the lake and local community,” said resident Andrea Zinnecker.

The marina currently maintains a “substantial” waitlist for vessels of this size, according to the applicant, “demonstrating the clear demand for additional capacity to allow recreational boaters safe and equitable access to the lake.”

Hayden Lake Marina has 216 wet slips available for docking.

Under the proposal, improvements would include modernization of dock infrastructure, updated electrical service, energy-efficient lighting and a new, publicly accessible pump-out facility.

The applicant also stated that alternatives, including leaving the existing docks in place or making smaller repairs, would not meet operational needs.

The estimated cost for the project has not been disclosed. Approval from regulatory agencies is required before construction can begin.

The Hayden Lake Marina operates under existing IDL encroachment permits in addition to prior authorizations for shoreline structures from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The application documents indicate the marina has no history of violations under either authorization.

Public Information Officer Sharla Arledge with IDL confirmed Wednesday that a public hearing will be held on the proposal. However, the time, date and location for the hearing is still to be determined. 

In its review of the proposal, the Hayden Lake Watershed Association board of directors identified several initial concerns, including inadequate parking, increased traffic impacts on Hayden Lake Road and nearby residences and safety concerns associated with relocating gas pumping farther from the shoreline.

“The dock extension will reduce our view of a portion of the lake; however, the benefits to us in reduced traffic with the new configuration outweigh the loss of a portion of lake view," said resident Steve Petroni. 

Documents show the applicant has been in contact with both Kootenai County and the city of Hayden to meet parking requirements, which call for one parking space for every two watercraft slips.

Residents can comment on the project to both the HLWSA and IDL by Feb. 23.