Dover-size marina at Long Bridge is not needed

Spokane-based Long Bridge Holding Company LLC has permission from Idaho Department of Lands to expand the 43-slip marina at Lakeshore & U.S. 95 to 268 slips. This is roughly the size of the marina at Dover.   

This approval was granted in 2025 in an IDL process unbeknownst to most of us. 

The first phase expansion to 92 slips is dependent on Bonner County approving a parking lot expansion. The Zoning Commission denied this application in February due to traffic safety concerns. At a County Commissioner Public Hearing in August, the LLC appealed this decision stating the safety concerns were arbitrary and capricious. The Commissioners delayed their decision on the appeal until 1 October, directing a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) to be conducted. 

Many fellow citizens appeared and communicated their objection to the project at the August hearing. This was instrumental in the Commissioners directing the Traffic Impact Study.  The traffic impact for the parking lot will be the only subject the Commissioners will entertain at the 1Oct hearing.  

If you wish to challenge the expansion of the marina itself, you need to communicate with Idaho Department of Lands. 

Citizen input for the parking lot decision is restricted to what you submit to Bonner County Planning ([email protected]) and a 3-minute statement at the hearing. A Facebook group (Long Bridge Marina Expansion) has been established to coordinate citizen responses and provide background information. 

Now is the time to engage. Once construction starts, it will be too late. 

STEVE BLASKA

Sagle