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

Post Falls Landing closed over safety compliance

The state closed a new Post Falls marina for failing to comply with state safety requirements, an official with the Idaho Department of Lands confirmed Wednesday.

The 142-slip marina at Post Falls Landing, a mixed-use and condominium development, is along the Spokane River and near an Avista dam. Eight or nine boats had been moored there.

Carl Washburn, a navigable waters specialist for the Idaho Department of Lands, said the agency asked the developer several times to install safety items.

When the department discovered the marina still in use several days after the discussions, it issued a stop work order, preventing all labor at the site, Washburn said.

A fire boat, ladders, throw ropes, “no swimming” signs, safety cables, guard rails, an on-site phone and a list of boat owners’ contact information, among other things, must be installed before the marina can reopen, Washburn said.

Developer Harry Green said the marina’s slips have been emptied, the state has rescinded its stop work order, and marina employees are working to bring the operation into compliance.

“The Department of Lands said we need to finish the marina, so we’re racing to finish the marina. We’re nearly finished,” Green said.

He said he’s eager to get the operation up and running for the remainder of the summer.

“When it’s complete … our condo owners will have access to 85 miles of navigable waterways. We’ve spared no expense on the marina. It’s going to be a fabulous lifestyle on the river.”