State board to consider Teton County grant request

Teton County, Wyoming is asking the Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board to approve an emergency $738,000 grant to address a landslide in the Snake River Sporting Club Improvement and Service District. The downhill slope below Wagon Road experienced an earth slump in early March affecting a 100-foot section of road. On March 28, a second landslide occurred. That 250-foot long slide began to undermine the Hilfiker wall near the intersection of Wagon Road and Riverbend Road. The slide impacted pavement on April 8 and destroyed an approximate 20 by 8-foot section of pavement, resulting in the closure of one of the Wagon Road lanes. Much of the road damage has been repaired and Teton County is asking for 100 percent funding from the state’s Mineral Royalty Grant program. However, the state board staff is recommending the request be denied. They argue the road is actually owned by the sporting club, not the county, so it does not meet the statutory definition of an “essential public service.” The staff believes the request falls short on other points as well. The board will formally consider the county’s request on August 10.