Governor backs private lodge in park

A new tourist lodge at Ponderosa State Park near McCall would be built and operated entirely by a private group, and the $6.6 million the state earmarked for construction would be spent on outstanding maintenance needs at other state parks, under a revised Experience Idaho parks project proposal from Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

The changes are in response to criticism from lawmakers about the project’s priorities and its financial feasibility, Lance Giles, Kempthorne’s policy adviser, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

But legislative budget writers weren’t satisfied, questioning the need for a privately run lodge on public land.

“With all due respect to Mr. Giles, who thinks that he’s listened to us, I don’t think he’s heard our message very clearly,” JFAC Co-Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said.

Cameron asked for more information about the mission and goals of the state park.

“I’m not sure that a lodge that maybe caters to the rich and wealthy falls in that goal and mission statement,” he said.

Robert Meinen, director of state parks, said it’s important to offer residents a variety of ways to enjoy state parks.

“The price will be high,” Meinen said, but added, “Opportunities for all should be available.”

Kempthorne pitched the $34 million Experience Idaho plan in his Jan. 9 State of the State address. It calls for improvements to six existing parks, including Heyburn State Park near the south end of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the construction of a new park in southeastern Idaho.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the additional funds for the maintenance backlog. The $6.6 million is in addition to the $10.3 million originally proposed by the governor to address the $20.8 million in maintenance needs.

But Sen. Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, asked if Kempthorne would be willing to let some of the money go to other agencies. Not likely, Giles replied.

Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, questioned whether the governor’s staff had thought about the chances of a small, private development – the lodge may have only 30 rooms – succeeding on public land.

“I can’t see … where 30 rooms would provide enough of a base for a private opportunity to make enough of a return,” Eskridge said.