City of Pocatello preparing for August eclipse
The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse is just a few more than 60 days away. Several cities across Idaho and Western Wyoming will be directly in the path, or near the path, of the eclipse. Those cities will all see effects from the eclipse. One of those cities is Pocatello. So the city is prepping for it.
The Gate City is working with multiple departments and agencies to prepare for every possibility.
Logan McDougall, public information officer for the city, said that the city’s biggest concern is the traffic. According to the Great American Eclipse website, anywhere from 93,000 to 370,000 people are expected to pass through Idaho for it.
Pocatello is focusing its attention on I-15 and what to do if I-15 suddenly isn’t an option for travel?
“Our street operations department, they are looking at alternate routes in case there’s an accident on I-15,” McDougall said. “So say there’s an accident on I-15 and traffic needs to be routed through town to keep people moving to their destinations. So they’re looking at different routes, and even changing the signal timing on the traffic signals in town to keep traffic flowing.”
If traffic is rerouted, McDougall said the city would likely try to keep traffic on the I-15 business loop. That means that 4th Avenue, 5th Avenue and Yellowstone Road could also potentially become extremely high traffic areas too.
Besides traffic, Pocatello will also be seeing a large number of people staying in the hotels to be close to the eclipse. Because of the large number of people expected, McDougall said those who live in Pocatello should plan ahead too.
“Get your gas early, a few days or more ahead of the eclipse,” he suggested. “Get your grocery shopping done well ahead of the eclipse.”
McDougall said right now, there has been no formal declarations issued about the eclipse. But the city and emergency responders are asking the public to stay home Aug. 21 if you can. If you don’t have to be out and about, don’t.
The city is doing some work with the county on preparation plans as well.
As far as budgeting and finances for emergency responders or extra resources that may need to be brought in, McDougall said it’s all within each agency’s individual department budgets. The city does not expect to go over those budgets, but that is one of many things that will continue to be monitored and looked at as it gets closer.
McDougall said even though it means a lot of people and a lot of work, there is a plus side.
“It’s a great chance to showcase our city and what it can offer these people,” he said. “Hopefully they come back after the eclipse and spend some more time here.”
McDougall said he feels the city is well-prepared at this point. Another thing the city will be doing is holding a series of town hall meetings with local businesses and the public. This way they can answer any questions, address any concerns and tell people what they need to know. A schedule of the town hall meetings is below. All will take place at City Hall at 911 North 7th Avenue in Pocatello.
Tuesday, July 11 8 a.m. Hotels/Motels
Wednesday, July 12 3 p.m. Restaurants/Convenience Stores
Saturday, July 15 10 a.m. Public Town Hall
Monday, July 24 11 a.m. Tow Truck Companies
Friday, July 28 8 a.m. Restaurants/Convenience Stores
Tuesday, August 8 6 p.m. Public Town Hall
