Idaho Falls City Council approves Jackson Hole Junction

On a 4-2 vote, the Idaho Falls City Council has approved the creation of the new Jackson Hole Junction Urban Renewal Project.

The project is a 45-acre commercial center at Interstate 15 and Sunnyside. Developers said the project would include hotels, dining, professional offices, and retail stores. They said there is interest from national tenants from outside the area who bring new employment, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.

However, they said the property is underdeveloped with inadequate roads and utilities. Jackson Hole Junction identified $10 million worth of improvements that would be eligible under state urban renewal law.

In supporting the project, City Council President Thomas Hally said urban renewal is one of the city’s best tools for encouraging economic development.

The council put a $4 million cap on urban renewal expenditures and a 13-year time limit.

Council members Barbara Ehardt and John Radford voted against the plan.