10/3/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Snake River View Rest Area renovations nearly complete; reopening scheduled for noon Monday (Oct. 6)
BOISE - Renovation of the Snake River View Rest Area near the Idaho-Oregon state line in Payette County is nearly complete, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The rest area will reopen Monday (Oct. 6) at noon.
The rest area is on eastbound I-84 in Idaho just across the Snake River from Ontario. It was closed for renovation in January.
The rest area received new landscaping, a new irrigation system, a resurfaced parking lot and sidewalk improvements to increase handicapped access. In addition, new fixtures were installed and the patio area overlooking the Snake River was refurbished. Walls and a window also were added to make the patio more comfortable for year-round use.
"We are thrilled to have the visitor center reopen, as our temporary site is receiving up to 100 people a day," said Karen Ballard, administrator of the Idaho Tourism Division. "A large portion of those visitors this year are visiting from overseas or Canada, and they love getting advice and learning about all the travel and lodging opportunities in Idaho."
"Don Yount, the manager of the center, can personally influence visitors - who thought they would just be passing through Idaho - to stay days longer. They often call him back to thank him for the great travel tips," said Ballard.
The rest area was built in 1966 and refurbished in 1987.
King Excavation of Caldwell was the contractor for the $995,500 project.