11/30/2016
Transportation department schedules Dec. 15 meeting in Island Park on Targhee Pass Environmental Study
ISLAND PARK - The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting a public meeting on Thursday (Dec. 15) to share information on the Targhee Pass Environmental Study and take public comment. The study will evaluate risks, benefits, opportunities and costs associated with rebuilding the pass in a section of U.S. 20 that runs from the junction with Idaho 87 to the Montana state line.
The meeting is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Island Park EMS Building, 4124 County Circle Road, Island Park. The meeting is in an open-house format, allowing those interested to attend any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Displays will provide information on the study process, purpose, schedule and geography. Project staff will be available to answer questions.
"The study team will first gather input from residents, local officials, regulatory agencies and all interested parties to understand the issues facing Targhee Pass and surrounding areas," ITD project manager Eric Verner said. "Once transportation needs are identified, we will work with stakeholders through an open process to complete a thorough environmental study that considers and evaluates all possible solutions."
During the past few years, the transportation department has worked on a safety corridor planning effort for U.S. 20 from Chester to the Montanta state line — Idaho's gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The study has included years of data on wildlife crossing/connectivity, sensitive-species analysis, data sharing amongst agencies, traffic-collision analysis, cultural studies and preliminary traffic engineering analysis. The transportation department has been working closely with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, wildlife specialists and the Henrys Fork Legacy Project throughout this process.
Targhee Pass is a portion of the U.S. 20 corridor evaluated as part of the safety corridor study. In addition to the national park, Targhee Pass serves many popular recreational and tourist destinations. The highway provides primary access to year-round residences, vacation homes, hunting and fishing lodges, state park and national forest areas, and a variety of businesses.
The Federal Highway Administration is the lead agency on the study and will be signing the final study document. The study will be completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).