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Commissioners back a bike‑trail concept but split on route through Ephraim
Summary
Planning commissioners and staff expressed general support for a proposed regional bike trail that would link communities, but they disagreed about whether to route it down 1st East through town (closer to Snow College and schools) or locate it on the west side; staff said the study produces a grant‑ready plan and the city may apply for funding.
Ephraim planning commissioners spent significant time Sept. 10 discussing a feasibility study for a regional bike trail that would connect communities along a backbone route. Commissioners and staff described the trail as potentially valuable for transportation to Snow College and schools and for regional connectivity, but they were divided on the preferred local alignment.
Several commissioners said they support the bike path in principle. "I'm for it, a 100%," one commissioner said; another said the route past the college makes sense because it serves students and schools. Other commissioners raised concerns about routing the trail on 1st East, warning it could impede traffic flow, require changes to right‑of‑way and crosswalks, affect property values, and complicate snow removal and long‑term maintenance.
Staff noted that the feasibility study creates a design that makes the city more competitive for grants and that the state and other partners have expressed funding interest. "There's money to now study Snow College and all the connectivity for Snow College," a staff or agency speaker said during the discussion, noting grant assistance and that the study produced alternatives rather than a final alignment.
Commissioners suggested the commission share feedback with the city council but said multiple conversations and community input will be necessary before choosing a final alignment. No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to pass their comments to council and to continue community outreach and study refinement.
