[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455123,"mediaKeyId","5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08","parentId",5855877,"title","Commissioners direct staff to seek narrower Teton Pass Trail build, ask federal review and local fundraising","audioSeconds",8060,"startMs",2858000,"endMs",10918000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08&start=2858&end=10918","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08/thumbnail_2858000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455123/Teton-County/Wyoming/Commissioners-direct-staff-to-seek-narrower-Teton-Pass-Trail-build-ask-federal-review-and-local-fundraising","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455123-78a0e1b04258826df819441ad5efa414/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689501&Signature=kbLlpk1K-eGhFrKxZ5qw8ZS~L7Ap9BZU5UojtWqJPMDDLSQje44f5Mj4s1OXN~LrgZBXmmzyWl~vuDq5arVOcS0bKdzkMM4Lj-Qp2qSrkCk4PCXTvobUM2Tl87cng6skssqB1bTkCXYCsUAth7y4OnWRqn8Dhd1IDbz7p24RBwHE6e2fRtWtKzK-VDQ9V5pWfcTpYq1pMKaT1OtLwBYEb2DbF4g~eoU7xrpg48z6dFyQ-C59L20g78-mwb-0aoYz4UA5dDTHS2Ne~9BKRN939U2tBVEG1hUs~TApcal1lBQnqCGWemdasdLoOyNqSOMJggWvenihROPIHv6V26bFrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Teton County","date","2025-09-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Teton County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 29 to direct staff to ask the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance a reduced build of the Teton Pass Trail (option 3), seek unspent Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) federal funds for the project and pursue private philanthropic commitments that could restore a larger scope.

The vote follows a multi-hour staff presentation and public-comment period focused on escalating construction estimates, changes in local revenue and competing county capital needs. Commissioners directed staff to prepare a white paper for the FTA that requests moving forward with the 80/20 federal-local option (option 3), to include a bid alternate for the Coal Creek underpass (option 2A) on the condition that private philanthropy fill the funding gap, and to seek approximately $1 million in federal build-savings from the Idaho Transportation Department for use on the Teton Pass Trail.

Why it matters: The project is part of a 13-component regional BUILD grant (Teton Mobility Corridor Improvements) awarded in 2020. County staff told commissioners that updated design and market estimates have raised the project cost for the Trail segment from earlier figures to an estimated $13.4 million, increasing the county's local share to roughly $7.2 million under the original scope. Losing federal or FLAP funds or cancelling the component would reallocate those federal dollars to other regional projects but would also end the county's portion of the cross-state connectivity vision.

Staff briefing and options

Heather Overholster, director of public works, reviewed the background, grant structure and six alternatives staff developed. She said the BUILD grant includes $5,151,000 assigned to the Teton Pass Trail component and an additional $1,000,000 awarded under the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) specifically intended to help fund an underpass at Coal Creek. Overholster told the board the FLAP money would be forfeited if the county did not build a connected trail and underpass as proposed.

Overholster said the project was 95% designed but was not put into right-of-way acquisition after an earlier direction to pause. She warned that current cost estimating and the design's retaining walls and structure work drive most of the new price growth.

Key numbers cited in staff materials and discussion

- BUILD allocation for component: $5,151,000
- FLAP award for Coal Creek underpass: $1,000,000 (conditional on connected trail)
- Current 95% cost estimate for Trail segment (design plus construction): $13,400,000
- Estimated local share under full scope (staff estimate): about $7,200,000
- County budgeted fiscal-year 2026 local contribution (net): roughly $3,400,000
- Rough order of magnitude for a standalone Coal Creek underpass: about $1,400,000

Public comment and safety arguments

More than a dozen residents, trail advocates and officials from Teton Valley and the City of Victor addressed the commission. Speakers framed the project as both recreation and safety infrastructure that connects existing trail networks on the Idaho and Wyoming sides of Teton Pass.

Nate Carey, executive director of Valley Adaptive Sports, said the project would improve safety year-round and added, \"If this pathway and tunnel saves even 1 life, it'll be worth it.\" Tim Young of Wilson and the Wilson Advocacy Group urged the commission to preserve regional credibility with federal partners and said, \"Every mile of pathway could save a life.\" Other speakers from mountain-bike and trails organizations described how the trail would complete multiuse links and reduce dangerous roadside crossings.

Staff recommendation and constraints

Staff recommended either full removal with federal redistribution (option 4/4A) or the reduced 80/20 option (option 3), noting FTA's review could take four months or more. Overholster emphasized that bidding without secured right-of-way or federal sign-off could be done \"at risk\" but would raise procurement and schedule complications.

The board's decision and motions

Commissioner Karlman moved and Commissioner Gardner seconded a motion directing staff to submit a white paper to the FTA requesting approval of option 3 (the reduced 80/20 build) and to advance that scope to bidding. The motion also asked staff to include option 2A (the Coal Creek underpass) as a bid alternate on the condition that private philanthropic funds fill the funding gap between option 3 and option 2A, and to seek the approximately $1,000,000 in federal build savings from the Idaho Transportation Department for use on the Teton Pass Trail. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Implementation steps and timeline

Staff said it would finalize the white paper for the FTA and expected an FTA response in about four months. The commission directed staff to proceed with design and (conditional) bidding preparations so the county could bid the work this winter if the FTA concurs; staff also said they would pursue right-of-way acquisition and continue interagency coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho partners.

The county included a deadline in the board's direction: the motion asks staff and partners to pursue private philanthropic commitments (to elevate option 3 to the larger option 2A) with a target of raising the gap by New Year's Eve 2025.

What the motion does not do

The direction does not obligate the county to spend more than its approved budget until a future appropriation or budget amendment is approved. Commissioners said the vote preserves federal BUILD funds assigned to the region while allowing the county to seek supplemental funds from ITD, philanthropic donors and partners on the Idaho side.

Next steps

Staff will prepare and submit the white paper to the FTA, attempt to secure the ITD federal savings reallocation, continue right-of-way/easement work with the Forest Service, and begin procurement steps contingent on FTA guidance. The board expects staff to report back as those federal, philanthropic and intergovernmental discussions progress.

Speakers

Heather Overholster, Director of Public Works (Teton County government)
Chairman Newcomb (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Karlman (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Gardner (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Probst (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Macker (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Pope (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Nate Carey, Executive Director, Valley Adaptive Sports (nonprofit)
Tim Young, Wilson Advocacy Group (citizen/advocacy)
Chris Brule, Executive Director, Mountain Bike the Tetons (nonprofit)
Dave Burghart (Victor resident)
Jeremy Vesperis, City of Victor (city administrator)
Sue Muncaster, Victor City Council (city council)
Catherine Dawson, Executive Director, Friends of Pathways (nonprofit)
Dan Verbaten, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways (nonprofit)

Authorities

- BUILD grant (Teton Mobility Corridor Improvements) ' referenced_by:[\"teton-pass-trail-decision\"]
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) ' referenced_by:[\"teton-pass-trail-decision\"]
- Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) ' referenced_by:[\"teton-pass-trail-decision\"]
- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) funds (unspent federal build funds) ' referenced_by:[\"teton-pass-trail-decision\"]
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ' referenced_by:[\"teton-pass-trail-decision\"]

Actions

- {\"kind\":\"other\",\"motion\":\"Direct staff to submit a white paper to the FTA requesting approval of option 3 (reduced 80/20 scope), advance option 3 to bidding, include option 2A (Coal Creek underpass) as a bid alternate conditioned on private philanthropy funding the gap, and seek approximately $1,000,000 in federal build savings from ITD\",\"mover\":\"Commissioner Karlman\",\"second\":\"Commissioner Gardner\",\"vote_record\":[{\"member\":\"Chairman Newcomb\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Karlman\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Gardner\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Probst\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Macker\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Pope\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}],\"tally\":{\"yes\":6,\"no\":0,\"abstain\":0},\"outcome\":\"approved\",\"notes\":\"White paper to FTA; staff to pursue ITD reallocation and private philanthropy target by New Year's Eve 2025; FLAP funding for underpass contingent on connected trail\"}

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion: extended staff briefing on scope, costs, federal requirements, right-of-way and public safety; many members of the public urged keeping the project or at least a safety-oriented underpass at Coal Creek.
- Direction: staff to prepare a white paper for the FTA for option 3 and to pursue ITD funds and private donations.
- Formal action: unanimous vote to approve the motion and direct staff as described.

Clarifying details

- County staff said the project is 95% designed but has not begun right-of-way acquisition because the board previously paused work.
- Cost estimates have risen substantially since the BUILD application; staff cautioned that the current figure is an estimate and final costs will be known only after bidding.
- Staff noted that FLAP funds are limited to the underpass and would not be available if the county abandons the connected-trail element.

Proper names

Teton Pass Trail, Coal Creek Underpass, Teton Mobility Corridor Improvements (BUILD grant), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Valley Adaptive Sports, Mountain Bike the Tetons, Friends of Pathways, City of Victor, Wilson Advocacy Group

Searchable tags

[teton-pass-trail,teton-county,build-grant,flap,FTA,ITD,coal-creek,trail-safety]

Provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_2858\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":327,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Onto item number 6. This is consideration of the Teton Pass Veil over on the West Side of Teton Pass Going to review alternatives, review the budget related to this project, make sure we understand the impacts of each alternative. So we'll have the presentation from staff. It's obvious that a lot of you in the room today are interested in this item. So after presentation from staff and questions from the commissioners to staff, we'll take public comment.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_10897\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":104,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed? The motion does carry unanimously.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}

Salience

{\"overall\":0.90,\"overall_justification\":\"Regional BUILD funding, large local cost-share increase and a direct public-safety argument generated high local importance and many public speakers.\",\"impact_scope\":\"regional\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Connects Idaho and Wyoming sides of Teton Pass and uses federal BUILD funds.\",\"attention_level\":\"high\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Lengthy public comment, multiple partner jurisdictions and federal review required.\",\"legal_significance\":0.30,\"legal_significance_justification\":\"Requires federal grant modification and interagency easements; NEPA and right-of-way processes apply.\"}","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Teton County - Voucher Mtg","oneSentenceSummary","The Teton County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 29 to direct staff to ask the Federal Transit Administration to advance a reduced-scope Teton Pass Trail (option 3), to bid that scope and to pursue roughly $1 million in additional federal savings and private fundraising to restore a larger scope.","taxTitle","Teton County, Wyoming","taxId",63785,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455109,"Votes at a glance: County voucher run, outgoing Forest Service letter, domestic-violence proclamation, park software contract approved",0,334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08&start=334&end=334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08/thumbnail_334000.jpg","/articles/6455109/Teton-County/Wyoming/Votes-at-a-glance-County-voucher-run-outgoing-Forest-Service-letter-domestic-violence-proclamation-park-software-contract-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455109-4a53ec2567bb5a9d516afaff5f2ff9c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689501&Signature=Tx42hSBOTwupP5QPTTlkPmM~KAbwc3KPrVfPQdP4uDDSKOdAKpiA97auJL1OeuLdViKxUP3endf329WKoMVvWPH5MJNkvdt62PR81diTZ7ghdz-KFT2nSOJNwAFqrOqUy9SIQ16mm701CJ8XChdz44vvHey1vKDmrBPuvlvZaDYw8iPqVNg3UrkVa4h29LQZirEtsub9aYuPbJZi1QaG7Q9vBvhLeSLfo3jkKsJJh5MFem2YDhfc7eiy7KtHX94Yl4RrPQgScQz3ckWAg7ApeDjmarpOr8vaFNFHhGnv5oiMS5-ea~hzWePI66yqC6TwJdVb9HjT0YCFhEhMU1NMDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Teton County Board of County Commissioners approved four routine but formal items during the Sept. 29 meeting. All motions below passed unanimously.

1) County voucher run (motion carried)
- Motion: Approve the 09/29/2025 County Voucher Run in the amount of $1,569,982.66.
- Mover/Second: Motion recorded from Commissioner Probst; second recorded from Commissioner Gardner.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously.

2) Outgoing letter to Bridger-Teton National Forest (approved)
- Motion: Approve staff-drafted letter to Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson and Black Rock District Ranger Jason Wilmot, dated Sept. 29, with the edits discussed at the meeting.
- Mover/Second: Motion from Commissioner Pope; second from Commissioner Carlman.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously. (See separate article for details on letter content: watershed, grizzly habitat and request for cooperating-agency status.)

3) Recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (proclamation approved)
- Motion: Approve the resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Mover/Second: Motion recorded; second from Commissioner Macker.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously. The proclamation was presented by Community Safety Network and Teton County Victim Services.

4) Master service agreement: Snake River Management reservation software (contract approved)
- Motion: Approve the master service agreement and statement of work for data migration and software-platform implementation for the Snake River management reservation system not to exceed $26,640 in year one and not to exceed $20,720 annually thereafter.
- Mover/Second: Motion from Commissioner Carlman; second from Commissioner Macker.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Actions recorded and provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_334\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I move to approve the 09/29/2025 County Voucher Run-in the amount of $1,569,982.66\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_1361\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":48,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I move to approve the letter to supervisor, to Bridal Teton National Forest supervisor Chad Hudson and Black Rock District Ranger Jason Wilmot, it will be dated September 29 as presented and with amendments as discussed this morning.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_1743\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":18,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Mr. Chairman, I move to approve the resolution recognizing October as domestic awareness, domestic violence awareness month.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_2850\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":64,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I move to approve the master service agreement and associated statement of work for data migration and software platform implementation for the Snyk River management plan not to exceed $26,640 in year 1 and not to exceed $20,720 annually thereafter.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}]}

Notes

- All four motions were recorded as carrying unanimously. Where the transcript listed named movers and seconders those names are included above as recorded during the meeting.

Speakers (motions and presentations)

- Commissioner Probst (mover, voucher run)
- Commissioner Gardner (second, voucher run)
- Commissioner Pope (mover, Forest Service letter)
- Commissioner Carlman (second, Forest Service letter; mover, Snake River software)
- Commissioner Macker (second, proclamation; second, Snake River software)

Searchable tags

[vouchers,forest-letter,domestic-violence,proclamation,snake-river-software,contracts]

Salience

{\"overall\":0.45,\"overall_justification\":\"Routine but formal county actions that enable daily operations and formal correspondence; relevant to residents tracking county spending and proclamations.\"}","At the Sept. 29 Teton County commissioners meeting the board approved the county voucher run, authorized outgoing correspondence to Bridger-Teton National Forest on Turpin Meadows, proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and approved a master service agreement to migrate Snake River reservation software.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455113,"Teton County coroner urges $100,000 for morgue planning as deaths rise",110,90000,200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08&start=90&end=200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/6455113/Teton-County/Wyoming/Teton-County-coroner-urges-100000-for-morgue-planning-as-deaths-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455113-a07e231fe4da6c818ad7ca783a4c5787/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689501&Signature=C7C2cuWWraaZdtpDd~lwB80deeKs2sjWvmdGUBYlw1u6aqKVaVYbtjmV4IfZeo2sqJABEVaBZ698ElYVX0Y6nXDXl3X0YiqRCysTgKGLIVVqcs4Uwi0F5pLxCJGpvo0GZemOtLcFbGx2KwTWi8DBEO4AMKHcRPLO1PUvBzxQ7O-KXLD9TN4FOc9h4uZuN88y6MCfb7Oq1TTI~1Gs1WL6aujTBFa3Wf3EGEr0NikLeXk6POJ54NLsq8D6xN5fkpJu97ow37U99ZGS~pEReZ1WgKFTXubZFn7TGcXdU4GJFhWMCmVz92wqhTRo1B5qdMZYdZBuPFFOGPPvEgUPmnFl5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Brent Blue, Teton County coroner, told commissioners on Sept. 29 that the county's morgue is currently housed in a two-car garage space that was formerly the weed-and-pest department and that planning funds are needed to move toward a purpose-built facility.

Blue said the county averaged about 30 deaths per year when he first took office 10 years ago and that the number has increased to close to 50 per year. He said staff repaired immediate health and safety problems after he took office, but the facility remains \"marginal.\" He asked the board to restore $100,000 that had been in a previous budget and later dropped, so the county can complete architectural work and a site plan that would enable future construction.

Blue told commissioners he and staff estimate a dedicated morgue facility could cost on the order of $3 million to $4 million to construct, but the $100,000 requested this year would pay for an owner's representative, selection of an architectural firm, and site and design work.

Commissioners asked how far the $100,000 would go. Blue answered that the amount would cover the owner's representative, selection process for the architect, and the architecture and site-plan work needed this year, but that a larger county funding request would likely follow in the next fiscal cycle for construction.

No formal action was taken at the meeting on Blue's request; the coroner presented the request as public comment during the general public-comment period.

Speakers

Dr. Brent Blue, Teton County Coroner (public official)

Clarifying details

- Current reported annual deaths: county average increased from about 30 to close to 50 per year since Dr. Blue took office.
- Funding requested for planning in current year: $100,000, quoted by the coroner as the amount needed to continue owner's rep and design/site planning.
- Estimated future construction cost: \"somewhere in the $3 to $4,000,000 range\" per the coroner.

Context

Commissioners thanked Blue for his presentation and asked clarifying questions about scope and prior budget allocations. Blue said the earlier budget included money that \"got dropped off,\" and that staff had been advised about a $100,000 figure for this year's planning; he indicated the county would seek a fuller construction appropriation in a future budget.

Provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_90\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":240,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Chairman Newcomb and commissioners, I'm Doctor. Brent Blue, Teton County coroner and I'm here to ask for money. Everybody comes to ask for money. Societies are judged a lot by how they care for their dead, and we're not doing a good job. Our morgue is in the old weed and pest department's 2 car garage, And we've upgraded it, since I took office 10 years ago.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_198\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"But, at this point, we need a $100,000 for this year in order to get the planning started. And I'll entertain any questions that people might have.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue told commissioners the county's morgue is in a makeshift facility and he seeks $100,000 to finish architectural/site planning toward a purpose-built morgue; commissioners asked questions but made no appropriation at the meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455118,"Teton County approves letter to Bridger-Teton National Forest on Turpin Meadows master development plan",972,403000,1375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08&start=403&end=1375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855877-f423eb1a02715f1373a6b86006dfef08/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6455118/Teton-County/Wyoming/Teton-County-approves-letter-to-Bridger-Teton-National-Forest-on-Turpin-Meadows-master-development-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455118-bfa12b8223642bbe399264384abf2bd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689501&Signature=aZrOWt8cPT6UfvJgUOO7Sfp9vZfe6PjRdCy49wcKeoDpePZov--sZBMWtoNsyxlQ0zS0NWFM-I~OBEZditIyV1rROHtpZrce-QDsdokXcQnBZ9s-2SKO0Zji5NpEzylpJBaFtT8331YbCN71Tk8c0NKw0-g452kU52vRSsQvFtRxWbbETY1ZZE7q7Wj7bTEcmE56X0dYVNh2UN-kniEymspQ8F8oMngDM8oCKrymPtVTT4KDyZaDPbQobAoV3ZKa0Qc9BHXEPibWW5Fo~47092NoeFpcEFtLiYITxYqeoVp98McW9wya7cVGzBmtMztd5QaIRP~3o~jckEA-fo4xcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Teton County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 29 to approve outgoing correspondence to Bridger-Teton National Forest responding to a master development plan proposal for Turpin Meadows.

The staff-drafted letter, addressed to Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson and Black Rock District Ranger Jason Wilmot, summarizes county concerns about the proposed increase in lodging capacity, potential transportation and public-safety impacts, fiscal effects on county services and clarity about compliance with grizzly bear conservation commitments in the forest plan.

Chris Colligan, public works project manager, told the board the new concessionaire owners are proposing substantial site improvements that could yield \"about a 200% increase in lodging capacity.\" Colligan and other staff recommended edits that emphasize consistency with the county comprehensive plan, clarify how private inholdings would be treated under county land-development regulations, and note watershed protections for Buffalo Fork above the wilderness boundary.

The letter asks the Forest Service to provide clarity on how the proposal would be evaluated against the forest plan amendments that aim to avoid net increases in capacity within primary grizzly bear conservation areas and requests that Teton County be given cooperating-agency status if the proposal advances into a formal NEPA process.

Commission members and staff also discussed transportation maintenance agreements. Public-works staff noted an existing cooperative agreement for road maintenance with the Forest Service but said a schedule A maintenance agreement (similar to one used on Ski Hill Road) does not currently exist for the forest roads in this area and could be required if visitation-related maintenance costs increase.

Motion and outcome

Commissioner Pope moved and Commissioner Carlman seconded approval of the letter as amended. The motion carried unanimously.

Speakers

Chris Colligan, Public Works Project Manager (Teton County Public Works)
Chairman Newcomb (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Pope (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)
Commissioner Carlman (Teton County Board of County Commissioners)

Authorities

- U.S. Forest Service master development plan process (pre-NEPA comments)
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Clarifying details

- Staff noted the proposal would be subject to Forest Service NEPA review; the county requests cooperating-agency status if an EIS proceeds.
- Colligan quoted the owners' proposed lodging increase as \"about a 200% increase in lodging capacity.\"
- The letter flags Buffalo Fork as a Class 1 watershed and asks the Forest Service for clarity on no-impairment commitments under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Implementation and next steps

Staff will finalize the letter with the minor wording edits directed by commissioners, send it to the forest supervisor and district ranger with the Sept. 29 date, and continue coordination with the Forest Service if the master development plan advances to formal NEPA review.

Provenance

{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"block_403\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":140,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So soon enough, I think. But, let me pull that up. We had, staff did a lot of hard work on outgoing correspondence regarding a proposed master development plan on the Bridger Teton National Forest specific to Turpin Meadows.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_1361\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":44,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Mr. Chair, I move to approve the letter to supervisor, to Bridal Teton National Forest supervisor Chad Hudson and Black Rock District Ranger Jason Wilmot, it will be dated September 29 as presented and with amendments as discussed this morning.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","County staff drafted and commissioners approved a letter commenting on a master development plan for Turpin Meadows on Bridger-Teton National Forest; the letter asks for clarity on impacts to watershed, wildlife habitat and local services and seeks cooperating-agency status for future NEPA review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners direct staff to seek narrower Teton Pass Trail build, ask federal review and local fundraising

Votes at a glance: County voucher run, outgoing Forest Service letter, domestic-violence proclamation, park software contract approved

Teton County coroner urges $100,000 for morgue planning as deaths rise

Teton County approves letter to Bridger-Teton National Forest on Turpin Meadows master development plan