Controversy arises over info regarding ITD Targhee Pass project

The Idaho Transportation Department is facing accusations of hiding information regarding the Targhee Pass project from the public. ITD says it is not hiding anything. However, some of the information that has come forward has some people calling for a change to the project.

ITD recently completed an environmental assessment study for the Targhee Pass, an area on Highway 20 from Island Park to the Montana state line. ITD recommended installing Animal Detection Systems, or ADS. It chose this over four other alternatives, including wildlife overpasses and fencing, which received criticism from locals. However, a post on the Idaho Wildlife Federation website is claiming ITD hid information regarding Animal Detection Systems from the public. It also suggests these detection systems are not the best option over wildlife overpasses. ITD is sticking by its decision.

“ADS systems are an ever-evolving technology,” said Megan Stark with ITD. “There is research and evidence that shows that they are effective in reducing wildlife vehicle collisions. And that was a factor, a factor of many, as to why we went with the ADS system.”

The post included links to a report regarding ADS for Highway 28 in Lemhi County and a report from Idaho Fish and Game about the Targhee Pass project. ITD points out both are just drafts. However, information in the Fish and Game draft and its published study, which can be found on ITD’s Island Park U.S. 20 website, suggests that, while Animal Detection Systems can be similar in effectiveness, wildlife crossings are the most effective way to prevent wildlife vehicle accidents along the Targhee Pass, not Animal Detection Systems. It notes Animal Detection Systems often fail before effectiveness can even be measured and are a high risk investment. Some people who live in Fremont County who wanted wildlife crossings are upset by this information.

“I really don’t understand why ITD didn’t consider all of the current facts, why they didn’t work with Fish and Game, and how they came up with this decision,” said Dede Draper, a Fremont County resident. “I think it’s more politics than safety.”

However, ITD says the Fish and Game report is a technical report. Through the Targhee Pass Environmental Assessment, it found that Animal Detection Systems have a better cost-benefit analysis rating for the Targhee Pass. ITD also notes the other report, regarding Highway 28 in Lemhi County, was specific for that area and says each highway and road is different.

“That assessment from the Idaho Fish and Game is a source of data for us,” Stark said. “It is a source of information. We also have our own data, our own research that we provide. So it’s just another source of information for us to help make that decision.”

While many in Island Park and Fremont County opposed the wildlife overpasses and fencing, there are still those who would like to see the project reevaluated.

“The time is right,” Draper said. “And 20 years from now, we are going to be so glad that we have those structures. Whereas the ADS system, the Animal Detection System, will be long gone. They do not work. They’re experimental and not worth money and they’re not inexpensive,” she said.

This project isn’t totally finalized yet. It still has several more steps to go through. ITD will next respond to comments received and revise the environmental analysis as necessary. Once more steps are complete and if everything gets approved, a construction contractor will be hired and construction on the detection systems will begin in 2022.

The documents regarding this project can be found on the ITD website for this project.