The Missoulian
February 6, 2004
By John Stromnes
POLSON - The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes released a draft environmental assessment this week, laying out the first phase of a proposal to develop Polson's Salish Point.
This first project would cost about $150,000, with half being paid by the tribes, and the other half coming from state Fish, Wildlife and Parks grants that have application deadlines as early as March 1.
Proposed improvements include replacing a rough-and-ready boat launch near KwaTaqNuk resort with a public low-water launch, building a 250-foot-long T-shaped fishing pier and a harbor that includes overnight boat slips.
The pier would replace a steel and log structure known locally as Castle Rock, which is used primarily as a perch for swimmers and the occasional gull. The structure is a liability concern because power boats are launched in close proximity to swimmers.
A parking lot to serve the area would also be constructed.
Planning for Salish Point development has been going on for more than two years. Various committees and alliances have held meetings and proposed competing plans. The current planning effort has come the furthest, primarily because it has the support of the Tribal Council. The proposal has been developed by a joint committee of tribal- and city-elected officials, assisted by staff and interested citizens called the Salish Point Committee.
According to the draft assessment, there appear to be considerable benefits and no serious environmental, economic or social consequences.
Polson Mayor Randy Ingram said the city wholeheartedly supports the proposal and has been intimately involved in the planning process.
No county land is involved in the first phase of the project.
The full Salish Point proposal involves some assumptions about future uses of the county's Regatta Grounds, which commissioners so far have not welcomed and at least one has adamantly opposed.
Comments on the proposal are encouraged, but they must be postmarked by Feb. 13, and mailed to the CS&KT NEPA Program, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855. A copy of the draft environmental assessment can be obtained by calling the Natural Resources Department, 883-2888, Ext. 7236.
The Lake County commissioners have not yet received or reviewed the proposal, so they have not decided whether to support, oppose or otherwise comment on the first phase of the project, Commissioner Mike Hutchin said Wednesday.