Idaho/Wyoming — While the Forest Service gave Grand Targhee’s expansion proposal preliminary approval, that does not mean that it’s happening. An objection period over several aspects is currently underway and is expected to draw responses from environmental groups and perhaps even from the local governments affected by the Wyoming ski resort.
The Wyoming ski resort recently received preliminary approval of its master plan, albeit with reduced boundary expansion and a requirement that its on-mountain restaurant obtain separate site approval. The expansion plan calls for new terrain, lifts, facilities, and more. It’s hard to explain succinctly, so click here for a more thorough breakdown.
Some of the most notable input will likely be coming from the local counties. One county is preparing to write a strongly worded letter opposing the plans, while another is seeking tax revenue from the ski resort.
Teton County, Idaho
For the government, their grip with Grand Targhee is that they don’t see any of the money associated with the ski resort. Tax revenue from the ski resort goes toward Teton County, Wyoming, despite drivers having to go through Idaho’s Teton County to reach the ‘Ghee. With communities in the county struggling to fund basic services, they’re trying to determine whether they can agree to a revenue-sharing agreement.
In response, Jackson Hole News & Guide reported earlier this month that Idaho’s Teton County has allocated funds to a study with Wyoming’s Teton County to analyze the impacts of the ski resort on their communities and whether a tax revenue-sharing agreement can be reached.
“Teton County, Wyoming, is making an effort to collaborate with us, talk to us, and we should be entering into this meeting in that spirit — in a spirit of collaboration,” said Teton County Commissioner Dan Powers.“Offering to pay our small share is a good start to getting that meeting off upright foot.”
While Idaho’s Teton County has expressed reservations in the past about the expansion, the ability to generate tax revenue could make it more open to growth.
Teton County, Wyoming
Meanwhile, Wyoming’s Teton County is taking a more aggressive approach to the expansion plan. They are opposed to the resort expanding its boundaries and previously sent a letter to the Forest Service opposing the plans. They also oppose the impact of a proposed new on-mountain restaurant, which could alter views from surrounding peaks. Jackson Hole News & Guide reported earlier this week that they plan to send another letter to the U.S. Forest Service, with an aggressive tone.
“Some parts of it indeed may be helpful and constructive and friendly, but some parts of it strike me as necessarily adversarial,” said Teton County Commissioner Len Carlman. “We wanted to keep the resort inside its boundaries.”
It also appears that if things do not go their way, the county is willing to take the matter to court.
“We’re not hating on anybody,” Commissioner Luther Propst. “We’re not trying to ruin their lives…
I’d love it if we can resolve the issues. If not, I’d like to make sure that the judiciary has the opportunity to weigh in on whether our comments as a cooperative agency have been given the respect that the statutes and regulations warrant.”
Image/Video Credits: Grand Targhee Resort
