Yellowstone Bear World off-ramp back on the table

Madison County, the Idaho Transportation Department and Yellowstone Bear World have come to agreement on a proposal to build a new off-ramp on south-bound US 20.

The decision came after a meeting with county commissioners Monday and will be based on a working agreement dating back to 2014.

Under it, the access ramp would be built at the 4300 West Road. Bear World owner Cortney Ferguson committed to participate, in part, by donating land for the off-ramp. The state would build it. And, Madison County would plow snow on it during the winter.

The county receives about $500 thousand in federal funds for road improvements. ITD said that money could be used to help with the off-ramp proposal.

The three groups will now continue to meet and outline details for the construction plan.

Ferguson has said he has plans for expansion at Bear World that could have millions of dollars of economic impact on the Madison County region.