Department of Lands proposes Idaho Falls-McCall land exchange

The Idaho Department of Lands is proposing a land exchange with a private landowner it believes would more than double cash returns for the endowment trusts. The exchange involves 14 acres of state land in McCall for a commercial building in Idaho Falls of equal value. The land is located near the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and part of the current INL campus.

The building is currently owned by a private landowner identified as IW4LLC, G.O. Voit and is being rented by Battelle Energy Alliance. After the exchange, the building would remain in state hands and BEA would continue to lease the building.

The McCall property is currently being used by an outdoor science school. Department of Lands spokesperson Emily Calihan said the landowner is working with the University of Idaho to transfer ownership of that property to the University.

Two land board members, Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, and recently appointed State Controller Brandon Woolf will host an open house Friday to discuss the proposed land exchange with the public. It was scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies building lobby.