Ephraim commissioners back a bike-path concept but split on routing through town

Commissioners reviewed a bike-path feasibility study Sept. 10 that proposes a Highway 89 corridor backbone linking nearby communities and a detailed in-town routing to serve Snow College, schools and other destinations. Commissioners generally supported building a bike trail but differed on where to place it within Ephraim.

The study team presented a backbone concept intended to help cities apply for grants; staff emphasized that the study creates a design the city can use to seek funding but does not build the trail automatically. Multiple commissioners said they favor the idea but raised concerns about impacts to traffic flow, property frontages, snow removal and long-term maintenance funding.

A visiting council member urged the project forward: "I'm in total favor of it," he said during the discussion. Commissioners raised alternatives: some argued for a First East alignment to connect schools and the college directly; others preferred a West Side alignment to reduce traffic interference and preserve neighborhood character. Commissioners noted the study incorporated hundreds of public comments and that the final route will require additional public engagement, design work and grant funding.

Commissioners also flagged practical issues grant funding may not cover — notably long-term maintenance. One commissioner said grant programs often pay initial construction costs but not ongoing maintenance, calling that a central concern for council members who would later be responsible for upkeep.

Outcome: the commission provided feedback to staff and the city council; it expressed support in principle but did not adopt a final route. Staff noted the study should make future grant applications more competitive and that further public outreach and design phases will follow.