Teton County OKs $200,000 Recreational Trails grant application to improve Bates River access

The Teton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a grant application for improvements at the Bates River access that county staff said would include bank stabilization, upgrades to the hand-launch area for small vessels and parking improvements.

Daryl Johnson, the county's public works director, told the board the county has developed a scope of work and a not-to-exceed project budget of $200,000 for the Idaho Recreational Trails Program. "We have come up with a not to exceed amount of $200,000 that requires a 20% local match," Johnson said. He said the county expects the match to be covered by a combination of the local rec district (committed minimum $10,000), in-kind labor valued conservatively at about $4,000, and county Parks & Rec FY2026 funds.

Commissioners discussed options for the local match and what could count as in-kind labor. Johnson said road-and-bridge staff could contribute labor to resurface the parking lot but that had not been included in the application because it would pull crews from road work.

One commissioner asked whether donations received from QR-sign fundraisers could be applied to the match; staff said those funds could be used. After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved the application; the vote was recorded by voice as "Aye."

Why it matters: the grant would help separate hand-launched users from trailer-launched boats, reduce congestion at the ramp and stabilize riverbanks to prevent erosion. If awarded, the county will need to ensure the local match funding sources are available and document in-kind contributions.

What happens next: staff will finalize and submit the application by the advertised deadline and return to the board with final match commitments and any additional design details if the grant is awarded.