Submitted by Ken Watts
The Idaho Transportation Department has canceled the public meetings on the US 20 Ashton to SH 87 project. The meetings were scheduled for September 28th and 29th in Ashton and Island Park respectively. The project is being re-evaluated by ITD, based on recent discussions with the stakeholders and others. Apparently, the stakeholders will have more input to the process in the future. This delay will give the Ashton and Island Park communities time to develop community based solutions for the road segments. You can read about the meeting, which led to the delay, elsewhere in this edition of the IP News. The Island Park Preservation Coalition will host another community meeting in October to develop community based solutions for the highway. You will recall, that in the last community meeting, there was unanimous support for an upgraded two lane highway in the Caldera. The suggested upgrades included more passing lanes, wider lanes, wider shoulders, rumble strips, tree cut back, and some minor reduction in access. This design is sometimes called a 2+1 or sometimes called a super 2. This design can be found in other states. If you read Ken’s Korner on a regular basis, you will recall that ITD completed two studies that recommended the 2+1 configuration for US 20. One study was done by JUB Engineers and the other by Kittelson Associates. Governor Little has guaranteed that the community will be heard. We must come to the stakeholder meetings with solutions that are well thought out and preserve the character of the Caldera. The solutions must also address the key intersections in Island Park. A phased approach to improvements may be the best approach rather than a total upgrade occurring all at once. JUB Engineers has prioritized the passing lanes in their study so some of the work is already done. Simple improvements like a long south bound merge lane at the intersection of Yale-Kilgore Road and US 20 could provide immediate improvement to traffic flow and safety at a very reasonable cost. You can probably think of other examples. Please bring your ideas to the next community meeting. The 2+1 configuration is a solution that will serve the community for two or more decades. This approach does not result in an over-build of the highway and preserves the character and historical attributes of the Island Park Caldera.
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Submitted by Ken Watts
In February of 2020, JUB Engineers provided a report to the Idaho Transportation Department (District 6) regarding alternative solutions for the US 20 Sheep Falls to Island Park Village highway segment. JUB engineers proposed additional passing lanes and wider shoulders to improve safety. The cost in 2019 was about $106,000,000. This was the same solution that was unanimously arrived at in a community meeting in Island Park. You may not be aware that there were two similar design studies that proceeded the JUB Engineers study. In November of 2016 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. completed a similar study. The title was US 20: Chester To Montana Safety Corridor Plan. “This report builds on the US 20 Corridor Plan: Ashton to Montana State Line to lay out a vision for US 20 that will reduce crashes and peak traffic congestion without incurring the expense and impacts of constructing a four-lane divided highway. This vision includes continuous alternating passing lanes in both directions (also called a “2+1” configuration…..) and wider shoulders……” “When implemented, this configuration is expected to have two primary benefits: 1. Reduce crashes by approximately 25-30%, resulting in annual savings of $700,000 - $1.35 million per year in crash costs. 2. Long long-term efficient movement of motor vehicle traffic, resulting in people spending about the same time following other vehicles 20 years from now, when traffic volumes are projected to be 60% to 100% higher than they are currently, as they do today.” You can see that starting nearly ten years ago, ITD laid out a plan to improve the existing 2 lane highway and upgrade it to a 2+1 or super 2 configuration that people at the Island Park community meeting supported. At no point did ITD reveal either of the studies at the public meetings in Ashton or Island Park. These are viable alternatives that were not introduced. ITD had decided on their 4 lane freeway alternative before they ever came to the public for input. This appears to be a clear violation of the spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act. Here are more quotes from the Kittelson study: “Given the above findings, our recommendation is that the 2+1 configuration with 8’ shoulders should be adopted as the long-term vision for the US 20 corridor between Chester and the Montana State line. Additionally, other less significant treatments, such as the other alternatives evaluated here (i.e., rumble strips, Safety Edge, enhancing clear zones, and access management), should still also be considered in a case-by-case basis as the roadway is reconstructed.” “In total, the recommended configuration is expected to reduce all crashes on the corridor by 25-30%, fatal/injury crashes by about 20-25%, and property damage only (PDO) crashes by 25-30%.” “Providing frequent and regular passing opportunities will improve traffic flow on the corridor by reducing the amount of time people spend following slower vehicles.” “As previously noted, the 2+1 configuration is expected to provide for a LOS of “C” or better along much of the corridor in the year 2036. It is also expected to reduce the percentage of time that people spend following from an average of 73% in the year 2036 to 63%, during peak conditions in the peak direction. The percent time spent following will be lower in the off-peak direction and during most of the year.” With the downturn in visitation to Yellowstone, a 2+1 or super 2 is a viable design option for US 20 Ashton to SH 87 and must be considered by ITD. Submitted by Ken Watts.
The next “public meetings/open houses” for the US 20 Ashton to SH 87 project will be held on September 28th in Ashton and September 29th in Island Park. Please plan to attend these important events and express your concerns. These open houses come after the third alternatives screening that was conducted in August. You do not need to attend this open house “cold”. The alternatives sketches used at the screening meeting are on display at the Island Park City Building. You can take your time to review the sketches in an environment that will allow you to study the alternatives and formulate questions for ITD. Also, comments can be left for the mayor and the city council if you wish. Generally, there are three four lane freeway options for each of the six highway segments between Ashton and SH 87. It is possible that the Idaho Transportation Department will show fewer options and maybe just one option for each segment at the September meetings. Do NOT accept the options presented! Tell ITD you want a two lane option (super two) with more passing lanes, wider shoulders. rumble strips, trees cut back, and improved intersections. Remind ITD that visitation to Yellowstone is down 30% this year and down 45% in July of this year. Remind ITD that they have completed two studies for a super 2 highway, starting nearly 10 years ago. Remind ITD that the JUB Engineers, super 2 study projected this design will be good through 2042 and much longer if visitation to Yellowstone remains lower. Remind ITD that a 4 lane, high speed, limited access freeway will cause profound environmental damage in the Island Park Caldera. Remind ITD that this freeway will destroy businesses, the historical nature of the community, and the livability environmental of Island Park. Remind ITD that they are risking Harriman State Park with their freeway. Remind ITD that wetlands will be destroyed at the headwaters of the Snake River Aquifer. Remind ITD that the community met and unanimously voted for a super 2 highway. Remind ITD that the cost of a freeway is obscene ($700 million dollars). Remind ITD that a freeway will block wildlife movement. Do not fall into the trap of reviewing the freeway options. Rather, make it very clear that you want an improved two lane highway that will be adequate for several decades and maybe forever. SAY NO TO A FREEWAY IN THE ISLAND PARK CALDERA! Submitted by Ken Watts
In February of 2020, JUB Engineers provided a report to the Idaho Transportation Department (District 6) regarding alternative solutions for the US 20 Sheep Falls to Island Park Village highway segment. JUB engineers proposed additional passing lanes and wider shoulders to improve safety. The cost in 2019 was about $106,000,000. This was the same solution that was unanimously arrived at in a community meeting in Island Park. You may not be aware that there were two similar design studies that proceeded the JUB Engineers study. In November of 2016 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. completed a similar study. The title was US 20: Chester To Montana Safety Corridor Plan. “This report builds on the US 20 Corridor Plan: Ashton to Montana State Line to lay out a vision for US 20 that will reduce crashes and peak traffic congestion without incurring the expense and impacts of constructing a four-lane divided highway. This vision includes continuous alternating passing lanes in both directions (also called a “2+1” configuration…..) and wider shoulders……” “When implemented, this configuration is expected to have two primary benefits: 1. Reduce crashes by approximately 25-30%, resulting in annual savings of $700,000 - $1.35 million per year in crash costs. 2. Long long-term efficient movement of motor vehicle traffic, resulting in people spending about the same time following other vehicles 20 years from now, when traffic volumes are projected to be 60% to 100% higher than they are currently, as they do today.” You can see that starting nearly ten years ago, ITD laid out a plan to improve the existing 2 lane highway and upgrade it to a 2+1 or super 2 configuration that people at the Island Park community meeting supported. At no point did ITD reveal either of the studies at the public meetings in Ashton or Island Park. These are viable alternatives that were not introduced. ITD had decided on their 4 lane freeway alternative before they ever came to the public for input. This appears to be a clear violation of the spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act. Here are more quotes from the Kittelson study: “Given the above findings, our recommendation is that the 2+1 configuration with 8’ shoulders should be adopted as the long-term vision for the US 20 corridor between Chester and the Montana State line. Additionally, other less significant treatments, such as the other alternatives evaluated here (i.e., rumble strips, Safety Edge, enhancing clear zones, and access management), should still also be considered in a case-by-case basis as the roadway is reconstructed.” “In total, the recommended configuration is expected to reduce all crashes on the corridor by 25-30%, fatal/injury crashes by about 20-25%, and property damage only (PDO) crashes by 25-30%.” “Providing frequent and regular passing opportunities will improve traffic flow on the corridor by reducing the amount of time people spend following slower vehicles.” “As previously noted, the 2+1 configuration is expected to provide for a LOS of “C” or better along much of the corridor in the year 2036. It is also expected to reduce the percentage of time that people spend following from an average of 73% in the year 2036 to 63%, during peak conditions in the peak direction. The percent time spent following will be lower in the off-peak direction and during most of the year.” With the downturn in visitation to Yellowstone, a 2+1 or super 2 is a viable design option for US 20 Ashton to SH 87 and must be considered by ITD. Submitted by Ken Watts.
A Grateful Community: Words cannot express the gratitude the Island Park community has for the people who courageously fought the Sawtelle Peak Fire. Everything about the operation was amazing. The response was quick and decisive and this was certainly a deciding factor in controlling the fire. So many people and agencies responded so well. It was inspiring to watch the planes dip into the lake and rapidly deliver water to the fire. One person said they were making a trip every 16 minutes. These pilots must have nerves of steel. Their incredible skills were on display. The helicopter pilots were amazing with their precision dumping of water on the spot fires. We could not witness the efforts of the ground crews, but there is no doubt they were key players in the effort. Thanks, Fire Fighter, from a very grateful community! Sewer System Judicial Hearing: The purpose of this hearing was to seek judicial confirmation of the power of Fremont County to incur indebtedness for upgrades to the Island Park sewer system. This is a necessary step for the County to received money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. We are talking tens of millions of dollars for the sewer system to correct deficiencies. Your County did an outstanding job of preparing for this moment. Engineering and planning had been done in the past to assure Fremont County was eligible to get these funds. It is a competition for the funds and therefore preparation is critical. It is a complicated process with many nuances. During a break, Brandon Harris (public works director) took me to each poster board and explained the entire process. He explained how preparation is key to competing for more money for the community. It was easy to get this kind of attention because I was the only person from the Island Park community in attendance. Nobody from City government was able to attend. This sewer system serves City residents. Only one person testified at the hearing. He was from the ASAP septic pumping company. He wanted the system design to accommodate dumping septic waste. He currently hauls his loads to Rigby or Idaho Falls for processing. Forsgren (the contractor) did an excellent job of explaining the complexity of the system and the deficiencies. The County Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with the process. Traffic Volume on US 20: There was an article on the front page of the Island Park News, on August 18, 2022, that provided Yellowstone National Park visitation data for July. Visitation was down 45% from July of 2021 and down 36% from 2019, the last pre-Covid year. For the year, visitation is down 30% from 2021. There are likely many reasons for the lower visitation, including the flood, much higher fuel prices, lodging costs, dining costs, investment losses, and inflation in general. The Idaho Transportation Department had estimated that traffic would increase linearly by 3% per year on US 20 from Ashton to SH 87. This number is in question with the lower visitation to YNP. A 30% decrease in traffic is like a 10 year reset. This means that the two lane upgrade to US 20 could now be good until 2052 rather than 2042 as was estimated by JUB Engineers in their upgrade study. Submitted by Ken Watts
(The following article may be of interest to businesses and property owners along US 20 in Fremont County and especially to farmers in the Ashton area.) An Alabama Family Is Fighting a Losing Battle Against Eminent Domain (by Emma Camp) The Moore family has lived on their land for generations. Now the state of Alabama says their homes must make way for a highway. The Moore family has lived on 120 acres in rural Dixon Mills, Alabama, for over 100 years. Generations of the family, descendants of black, Native American, and Irish sharecroppers, worked the land in Alabama's economically depressed Black Belt region and eventually built a considerable homestead. Now, much of that land will likely be cleared to make way for the West Alabama Corridor. In 2021, the state of Alabama announced a construction project which includes a widening of U.S. Route 43 into a four-lane divided highway. This expansion—with state officials claiming a necessary seizure of 190–225 feet of land—entails the seizure of much of the Moore family's property. It would also require demolishing four of their homes, which house 11 family members. In response, the Moore family has launched the campaign "Seize No Moore Homes," attempting to raise awareness of the challenge the U.S. 43 construction project poses to their way of life. In a statement, the family stressed that they are not opposed to expanding U.S. 43; they believe that the state is planning on taking an unnecessary amount of land rather than pursuing less destructive alternatives. “This proposed project will dismantle our private owned businesses. Our community will be without an auto mechanic shop, loggers, caterers, carpenters, fresh food vendors, farmers, and livestock would be affected," the Moore family writes in their statement. "This community will never recover from this devastation. If an alternate route cannot be mapped out and the State of Alabama feels that it is necessary for this project to come through our community, at least give us the dignity as taxpayers, homeowners, and landowners to only take the minimally necessary amount of land.” However, state officials say that the seizure is necessary and that engineers have attempted to limit the amount of property affected. As Tony Harris, an official with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) said in a statement: "[w]e certainly understand the family's concerns about some of their homes being impacted, and we have sincerely worked to limit the amount of property needed for the roadway." For now, it appears that the seizure of the Moore family's land is constitutional. However, while the state may legally take their land, the Moore family is not convinced that the seizure is strictly necessary for the construction of an expanded U.S. 43. The family argues that only 94 feet of land is required, not the 190–225 feet proposed by the state. ‘The chief engineer of the project told us that the change we suggested was not considered solely because it would be too expensive for the state's pockets, not because of environmental impacts," said André Fuqua, whose aunt, Marolyn Moore, stands to lose her home. He continued, "[n]othing in their response explains why they aren't willing to make that compromise." |
Making Sense of It All
This blog will help you make sense out of all the information on the website, how it affects IP, our history, and how efforts continue to put IP into various forms of conservation status. Archives
May 2023
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