‘August 25, 2022 Page 1 of 3 Idaho Department of Transportation Rigby Idaho office Subject: ITD US 20 PEL The Island Park Historical Society (The Society) is registered and recognized by the State of Idaho. The society collects, records and retains items of historical importance to preserve the long and enduring history of the community known and incorporated as the City of Island Park and adjacent areas of historic significance. Its name alone signifies all that is needed to know; that this area is recognized world-wide as a “Park”! The Society is concerned about what it understands to be possible changes coming to US Highway 20. The Idaho Department of Transportation is currently conducting a PEL (Planning and Environmental Linkages) study to explore options to upgrade some 40 miles of this highway from a point starting near the Ashton bridge at the south to its junction with State Highway 87 to the north. From the limited information shared to date by ITD, the changes that appear to be favored would transform it into a 4 lane “interstate like”, 70 mile per hour, controlled access thoroughfare that includes the 20-+/- miles that go through Island Park’s city limits. The City of Island Park envelopes an historic passage way to the most famous of all parks, Yellowstone National Park. The fame of “Yellowstone” draws visitors from throughout the world as it has since its inception in 1872. There are four entrances to Yellowstone National Park. A high percentage of its visitors either enter or exit it via US 20. This highway was built by, and is controlled, and maintained by the State of Idaho. It is not disputed that this traffic volume puts a burden on the state to provide all travelers’ safe passage. As presently constituted US 20 through Island Park, is largely a two-lane 60 mph system with occasional three lane passing strips. Numerous (6) city boundary segments require speeds be reduced to 45 miles per hour in the city’s community centers of Last Chance, Pond’s, Elk Creek, Macks Inn, Island Park Village and Valley View. This has been its configuration with minimal maintenance and safety upgrades since the early 1960s.‘August 25, 2022 Page 2 of 3 This road, while a US Highway, is referred throughout Island Park as its “Main Street” because it winds through the entire 20 miles of its city limits. It is also widely acclaimed to be the “Longest Main Street in America”. Signs signify travelers it as such as they enter Island Park from either the south or the north ends of the city. This “Main Street” follows an historically significant horse drawn wagon and stagecoach route, first established in the 1800's, which became increasingly important after Yellowstone became a national park, Without very thoughtful consideration to the needs of the community, such a transformation will be devastating to the city as it is now known. The rights of way that will be required for such an expansive thoroughfare, (perhaps up to as much as 450 feet plus buffer zones on either side) the City of Island Park would likely end up completely stripped away. All semblance of what is now called the City of Island Park would be destroyed. Irreparable loss of the area’s local history, its current economic base, and the feeling of community that exists in this absolutely unique part of the state is at stake. What must not be overlooked also are the extreme environmental impacts that could result to what is known as “Swan Lake” along the highway’s route south of the City of Island Park. In addition to this, the entire geographical area of and surrounding Island Park supports an extremely diverse and important wildlife population that includes virtually all of the animals common to the Yellowstone ecosystem. Large numbers of the animals in Yellowstone migrate from and to Yellowstone during seasonal changes. It is hard to imagine that a 70 mph thoroughfare through this ecosystem will not increase the traffic conflicts with animals throughout Island Park. The impact to Harriman Park, gifted to the State of Idaho by the Harriman Family, must also be given serious consideration because of the strict limitations spelled out in the conditions of the family’s grant to the State of Idaho. It should be remembered that this park was almost lost to the State as recently as 2018 when one if its critical conditions was at risk of being disregarded. The supporting document labeled Attachment 1 presents a body of information that details the need to retain the historical character and importance of this geographical area for all permanent residents and visitors to the area. It is imperative that any changes recognize the need to avoid destroying the character and historical significance of the area...this requires attention to the entire matrix of Island Park from the geological history, through literally centuries of human habitation and shared experience on this unique landscape, and the multi-purpose use and enjoyment of these lands. Also included as Attachment 2 are images extracted from Google Earth that illustrate the 6 critical areas within the City of Island Park where road expansion is most likely to create conflicts with‘August 25, 2022 Page 30f3 existing land use in those congested areas. The design, should this concept be adopted, must find ways to retain these critically important areas and uses within Island Park. In summary, while improvements are needed, an “interstate like” thoroughfare as discussed herein must not be the solution. A less intrusive alternative must be developed that will be acceptable to all parties to achieve goals that are in balance with the users and the community’s needs. It is imperative that design concepts being considered be fully shared and include disclosure of major impacts with the interested parties to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. In closing, we request that a copy of this statement also be committed to the record of the current US 20 PEL Study. A copy will be submitted to Stephanie Borders who is facilitating the PEL in that roll.