RIVERS -- Organizers of the St. Maries - St. Joe River Jet Boat Race have announced on their Facebook page that the U.S. Coast Guard would not authorize their permit to hold the "Race the Joe" jet boat races May 17-19.
A caller from the area said the permit requires that there be no environmental damage. "But every goose and duck and bird is nesting or raising their young and there are three bald eagle nests in that stretch of river so it's amazing the were able to get away with a race last year," the woman said.
The race is hosted by the St. Maries Chamber of Commerce and Epic Motorsports Consulting Group, L.L.C.
This devastating decision comes after almost a year’s worth of volunteer time, effort and commitment, as well as the approval from the City of St. Maries, Benewah and Shoshone County authorities.
“We are asking for everyone’s help to try and reverse the Coast Guard’s decision and authorize this permit,” Race the Joe spokesperson Kyla Sawyer said.
“Without this permit our race is not in compliance with our insurance and sanctioning from the American Power Boat Association and we cannot hold a race without insurance. After receiving approval from all local authorities for the race we are stunned by the Coast Guard’s decision.”
