05:27 PM PDT on Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Associated Press

COUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Washington State University will sell Camp Roger Larson on Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene to the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe for $1.4 million.

The agreement, which will be voted on Friday by the WSU Board of Trustees, includes a $1 million fund from the tribe to be paid over five years to WSU to support Indian scholarships and education programs.

"We are looking forward to working with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe to develop educational opportunities and programs that enrich the lives of tribal members and contribute to the well-being of the tribal community," said WSU Provost Robert Bates.

The sale includes 40.55 acres on Cottonwood Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene near Worley, Idaho. Seven of the acres are developed with 25 buildings, cabins, a dining hall, recreation and administration buildings, and a boat dock.

In March 2003, WSU officials closed the camp, citing its poor condition. The school estimated it would cost $5 million to bring the facilities up to standards and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The camp was named for former director Roger C. Larson, a longtime WSU physical education faculty member. Over the years it has served as a camp for youth with handicaps and for teacher training.

"Roger Larson built a camp for children that served the needs of the handicapped community for over three decades," said Christine Larson, daughter of Roger Larson.

"Our family lived and worked at the camp during that entire time, and we are saddened by its closure. But we are also pleased that the university has chosen a way for Rogers legacy of helping people to live on."

Coeur d'Alene tribal Chairman Ernie Stensgar said the camp will be used to enhance the tribe's cultural and educational goals.

"Our plan is to utilize the facility in a variety of ways that include traditional and social activities as well as learning and healing a source for the renewal of our spiritual strength," he said.