RIGBY – Nearly 100 people attended the July 27 alternative-development workshop in Island Park for the Targhee Pass Environmental Assessment (EA) being conducted by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
Targhee Pass is a four-mile portion of the U.S. 20 corridor. In addition to serving Yellowstone National Park, Targhee Pass serves many popular recreational and tourist destinations. The highway functions as the regions Main Street, providing primary access to year-round residences, vacation homes, hunting and fishing lodges, state park and national forest areas, and a variety of community commercial establishments.
At the July 27 meeting, the public reviewed information on the EA process, timeline, and the EA updated purpose and need statements. Several citizens reviewed materials and screening criteria, and then drew or commented on their ideas for potential alternatives on blank maps of the study area.
“We were very pleased with attendance from the community and the level of engagement of citizens,” said ITD Project Manager Eric Verner. “We appreciate the passion people have for Island Park and the Targhee Pass area. Feedback from the community is important to our study team, providing valuable insight into area issues, challenges and opportunities.”
Those unable to attend Thursday’s meeting can access displays, information and resources from the event at http://islandparkus20.com/helpful-resources/public-meeting-opportunities-materials/. Please send comments/suggestions to the study team by Aug. 10. Input will help ITD officials develop alternatives and then schedule another public meeting later this summer (before Labor Day).
There will be an opportunity to comment on proposed alternatives at the next public meeting, prior to these alternatives being carried forward for analysis in the EA.
For questions, or to submit feedback, please contact the team:
Targhee Pass Study Team
(c/o The Langdon Group)
677 South Woodruff Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 220-5937
targheepass@langdongroupinc.com
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead agency on this study, responsible to sign the final study document. The study is being completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. For more information on the EA, please contact Andrea Gumm at 208-220-5937.