Teton County Commissioners discuss funding challenges for North 89 Wildlife Crossing project

The Teton County government meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on financial planning and funding strategies for ongoing projects, particularly the North 89 Wildlife Crossing and Teton Pass Trail projects. Key discussions revolved around the potential need for budget revisions due to unforeseen costs and the exploration of private philanthropic funding to cover project overages.

Commissioner Probst raised concerns about the county's financial obligations for the fiscal year 2026 budget, specifically regarding compliance with federal grants. The county has allocated $6.1 million from Fund 37 for various projects under the BUILD grant, with approximately $4.426 million earmarked for the Teton Pass Trail. However, the budget also reflects a significant deficit, prompting discussions on how to manage these financial challenges.

Mr. Culligan, involved in securing private funding for the North 89 Wildlife Crossing project, reported limited success thus far but emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts. The conversation highlighted the need for collaboration with nonprofit partners to explore additional funding avenues.

Commissioner Macker suggested a cautious approach to project funding, advocating for a thorough review of current expenditures and potential cost increases before making any final decisions. The commissioners agreed on the importance of completing the design phase to obtain accurate cost estimates before proceeding further.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to gather more information and reassess the budgetary implications of the projects, ensuring that all financial aspects are carefully considered before moving forward. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to managing its resources effectively while addressing the needs of its infrastructure projects.