Pathway and Emergency Vehicle Bridge Across Snake
WAC Bulletin
December 3, 2005
Due to a last minute decision by the Pathways Task Force to support a different project for their SPET tax application for 2006, this worthwhile proposal – the Snake River Pathway and Emergency Vehicle Bridge – was suddenly left without a sponsor.
The Bridge project has been highly praised by a number of key people, including County Engineer Craig Jackson, as an economical and useful way to solve what could be a major safety problem in the future – an accident of some sort which blocks any access to or from the west side of the Snake. And on an everyday basis, it would be a safe link for non-motorized travel between Jackson and Wilson, and between the recreational areas enjoyed by so many of us on both east and west banks of the Snake River.
Although some County officials believe that we should wait until 2011 or later, when WYDOT may or may not decide to widen the bridge and construct (God forbid!) a four or five-lane highway, we think a better solution can be put in place now.
In the interest of keeping this project alive, the Wilson Advisory Committee has become the Applicant of Record. This does not mean the project would need to go through the WAC. Instead, it would be managed and administered by Teton County, and entirely funded by a portion of the SPET tax, if the voters approve.
Attached is a more detailed description of this Bridge project, and a photo montage showing what it would look like. Please take the time to let us know your thoughts by return e-mail. And of course, direct input to the County commissioners is a good way to be effective.
(NOTE FROM THE ACTING CHAIRMAN: Even though there is no "official" membership roster for the WAC, it exists solely to provide a way for the citizens of Wilson to have an impact on County processes and future development. If we want to have a say in the future of Wilson, , then we need to speak up, and stay informed. We (the "Steering Committee") will endeavor to stay abreast of the "keeping informed" part. But it is up to you, the people of Wilson to speak up if we want to make a difference.)
Thanks for your interest and your time. Shortly we will send an update on the "Medical Center" proposal.
Peter Pilafian
Fall Creek Road
Additional details and comments:
PURPOSE OF APPLICATION: The application submitted December 1 provides an opportunity for Teton County Commissioners and Town Councilors to have a thorough discussion regarding funding for this project. If elected officials agree the project should be on the ballot, then the community will have a chance to vote on the issue in early May of 2006. Submitting the application simply ensures that this project and other options for non-motorized infrastructure from Wilson to the Town of Jackson will not fall by the wayside.
WAC INVOLVEMENT: The immediate role of the Wilson Advisory Committee for this project was to apply for SPET tax money. Aside from soliciting a member or two to present the project to elected officials in January of 2006, long-term administration of the project would most likely be administered by Teton County Engineering and Pathways departments.
SHOULD THIS BE DELAYED? It has been noted that the Wyoming Department of Transportation has been discussing a re-design of highway 22 with construction to start sometime within the next 10 to 15 years. New policies within WYDOT should result in a roadway design that should include safe options for non-motorized users. However, a stand-alone pathway bridge of the caliber proposed by the WAC and pathway advocates,might not be a viable solution in the eyes of some WYDOT engineers and officials. If Teton County elects to build this visually appealing pathway bridge, we can expect a much better end result than if we wait for WYDOT. The bridge also will help to push path connectivity along highway 22. Remember when the Aspens had a path to nowhere along highway 390, which is now linked from Wilson all the way to GTNP?
The Wilson Snake River Pathway and Emergency Bridge is proposed as a community asset that will provide a safe connection across the Snake River for walkers, cyclists, fisherman, equestrians and skiers. An attractive timber bridge design is proposed that would also accommodate emergency vehicles, should the highway bridge ever become blocked. The bridge would link Emily Stevens Park with the Wilson BLM boat launch, about 350’ north of the existing WY-22 highway bridge.
The Wilson Advisory Committee is recommending this bridge project to Teton County as they consider projects for a spring ballot. While the ad hoc committee is not in a position to construct the bridge itself, it is hoping the WAC application will encourage additional conversation and inclusion in the Specific Purpose Excise Tax discussion. As one solution, perhaps Teton County would consider a package of pathway projects that might include the bridge as one element along with other county pathway projects proposed by the Pathways Task Force in the South Park area.
History suggests the public would be supportive. The last SPET vote, funding for the pathway along WY-390 won the highest yes vote of any project on the ballot.
The Wilson Snake River Pathway Bridge would be a vital link in the high priority pathway corridor between the Town of Jackson and Wilson. The bridge could also be the community’s contribution to WYDOT towards a future pathway along WY-22 as has been proposed by WYDOT. The proposed bridge would be compatible with a future pathway between Jackson and Wilson.
The Snake River Pathway Bridge will provide greatly enhanced community access to the Snake River and may saves lives as an emergency link between the west bank and east bank of the Snake.