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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Old Dock Won’t Float Much Longer Parks Department Will Ask Coeur D’Alene For Loan To Fix Structure Before Tourists Arrive

Soaked by years in the water and buffeted by winds and floods, parts of the city’s commercial dock at Independence Point are slowly going under.

“Sometimes, if we get 50 to 100 people on it, part of it goes under water,” said Doug Eastwood, Coeur d’Alene Parks director.

Last year’s flooding, combined with a wind storm, caved in about a third of the dock.

The float logs have been in the water 50 years and are so waterlogged that the spikes no longer hold, Eastwood said.

After examining the structure, Eastwood said he believes the best money would be spent replacing the dock from the water up.

Tonight Eastwood will ask the City Council to declare an emergency for dock repairs so it’s fixed for the tourist season.

He also wants to borrow the money for the project against future dock rental revenue.

While the city has no firm estimates, the cost isn’t likely to exceed $150,000, city officials say.

The commercial dock is used by Coeur d’Alene Cruises, Brooks Sea Plane, a parasail firm and a canoe and paddleboat rental company.

If the council agrees to making the repairs on an emergency basis, the Parks Department won’t be required to ask for sealed bids.

Eastwood estimates that will save four to six weeks. That’s important considering the repair job could take as long as three months and the tourist season begins in April, he said.

Dock rental fees should repay the cost of the repairs in three years or less, Eastwood said.

The council also is expected to approve spending $5,000 to design new landscaping at the Interstate 90 and Northwest Boulevard interchange and the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and U.S. Highway 95.

The Idaho Transportation Department will do the landscaping provided the project is funded and maintained by the city.

The $5,000 would go for computer enhancement photos showing the possible layout at the two intersections.

The council also will consider installing a crosswalk with warning signals on Government Way, just south of Wallace Avenue.

Kootenai County commissioners requested the crosswalk for pedestrian traffic between the county’s new administration building and offices on the other side of Government Way.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO The Coeur d’Alene City Council will meet tonight at 7 in City Hall.

This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO The Coeur d’Alene City Council will meet tonight at 7 in City Hall.