Closed road over Great Feeder Canal headgate has locals concerned
For nearly 100 years, people living on the south side of the Snake river near Heise Hot Springs could cross the Great Feeder Canal at the headgates on a small road. Now that road is closed as the canal company rebuilds the headgates, and locals are worried they won’t be able to use the road after construction is finished.
“Our biggest concern is mostly safety,” said Tom Hogan, who lives near the headgates. “In the winter when we get snow storms, and these highways get closed and stuff, that’s our only way to get in and out of here.”
The canal company owns several acres near the headgate, and essentially let the public use the road for decades, despite the fact its built on private land. Hogan says the canal company told him they don’t plan on rebuilding the road once the construction is complete as they don’t want to pay for it.
“It’s going to affect businesses like Hiese,” said Hogan. “A lot of the fisherman in the summer time go over there after they get off the river.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Jerald Raymond says the canal company has been in talks with the commissioners regarding the project, but that nothing has been finalized yet. “We’re currently hoping to get more information before we make a decision,” said Raymond. “Once we get the facts, we will present those facts to the public in a public hearing setting and get input.”
Jefferson County commissioners are planning on hearing people’s concerns on Monday at their monthly meeting, but they don’t expect any decision to be finalized. “I think the trigger point of when it’s time to make a decision is when there’s a design in place and it’s a decision regarding cost, allowability of access, safety, access over other canals. That’s the trigger on when it’s time to make a decision,” said Raymond.
KIFI/KIDK did reach out to the canal company to explain their plans and clarify a few questions. Their director declined an interview and said “We are not saying anything and point you to the Jefferson County Commissioners.” When asked to clarify, they said “no comment.”
