Wyoming approves $1 million for Budge Drive landslide repairs

The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board Thursday approved $1 million to help pay for long-term slope stabilization work to the Budge Drive neighborhood. The funds will also help restore permanent water, sewer and street access.

A portion of the hillside started to give way in April, 2014, causing the evacuation of more than 60 residents, the loss of the town’s pump station at the base of Budge Drive, significant damage to the Budge Drive roadway, and the destruction of one single family home.

Teton County requested the grant on behalf of the town of Jackson, which is overseeing the planning and implementation of the slide mitigation work. County engineers said stabilizing the hillside is necessary to re-establish right-of-way and basic health and safety services to the neighborhood. Work will also avoid additional property damage to West Broadway.

Jackson is working to obtain necessary easements and agreements. The town is also seeking another $7.5 million to complete the hillside stabilization work.