Tribes look to expand business opportunities in eastern Idaho

??One community in eastern Idaho is experiencing some major economic growth, and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are looking to share that wealth with the rest of the region.

Fort Hall has seen nine major projects over the years to attract tourists.

On Tuesday, the tribes met with members of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce.

They explained reservation culture and laws, as well as opportunities for nonreservation businesses. They said the new Shoshone-Bannock Hotel has been the key to much of their economic growth, and other businesses could benefit from the new addition.

“Just having the capability of having our hotel rooms where our tourists are able to stay and enjoy Fort Hall has been big and has been really good for our local businesses,” said Randy’L Teton, a spokeswoman for the tribes.

Fort Hall officials said the hotel was just the tip of the iceberg. They said they looking into more projects over the next several years, information about which they are not ready to release to the public.