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Nearly 100 attend workshop July 27 in Island Park for Targhee Pass Environmental Assessment

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.) Many of the comments focused on wildlife-passage issues.

The public reviewed information on the EA process, timeline, and the EA’s updated purpose and need statements. Citizens reviewed materials and screening criteria, and then drew or commented on their ideas for potential alternatives on blank maps of the study area.

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 region’s Main Street, providing primary access for residents, visitors, and businesses.

"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."

Another public meeting will be scheduled 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.