Boat Launch Facility Fees

This year will mark the first that Kootenai County Parks and Waterways is charging the public for the use of the boat launches. Here in Bayview, we noticed a sign posted at the Village launch stating that $4 per day for residents and $8 per day for out of state boats will be charged for the use and upkeep of the ramps and docks.

Annual permits are $20 and $40 respectively. Other funding comes from a share or percentage of boat registration fees. While Waterways officials acknowledge the funds from boat registrations, it isn't enough to adequately maintain the facilities. Out of state boater that do not register their boats in Idaho especially strain the facilities without any monetary support.

Those Spokane boaters, of course, have the option to register their boats in Idaho to take advantage of the lower fees. The system is semi-honor system, much like the self parking garages, but like the garages, if you don't pay, a citation may be issued.