Teton Creek restoration project wins FEMA funding

Teton County, Idaho has been awarded a million dollar grant to help reduce flood risk along Teton Creek. Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver said the project is being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

The remaining $334,001 cost of the project will be met by Teton County, Friends of the Teton River, and other partner organizations through cash, labor, and material contributions.

At the present time, eroding banks are causing significant property loss during every spring runoff. The banks of The Aspens and Aspen Pointe subdivisions are eroding at up to 30 feet per year. The creek is also eroding the Teton County landfill and is within 30 feet of exposing buried landfill waste.

The project will stabilize 5,600 linear feet of eroding stream banks, reduce flooding risk by decreasing erosion, and re-establish riparian vegetation to stabilize the flood plain. County Emergency Services coordinator Greg Adams said it should also improve water quality and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Shawver will present a check to Teton County Commissioners in Driggs on Monday.