As local government reporter Erica Curless reported on the front page of today's Idaho edition, Kootenai County may start charging boaters a fee to launch at the county's 22 ramps and docks on Lake Coeur d'Alene and at other area lakes and rivers. The county commission also plans to charge an annual fee to commercial boats and barges, including those loading and hauling construction materials to waterfront building sites. The money would go toward repair and maintenance of the county's waterfront facilities as boater use increases each year. The commission said the county isn't getting enough money from boater registration fees to cover the increased expense. Full story here.

Photo by Jesse Tinsley/The Spokesman-Review

Question: Are the proposed recreational launch fees ($4 for residents, $6 for non-residents) reasonable?

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