JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has directed staff to draft agreements for various projects that will receive a total of $5,080,000 in funding from the 2022 Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) ballot measure focusing on water quality.
In 2022, county voters approved a $10 million allocation to initiatives specifically related to water quality in Teton County. A total of just over $3 million has already been allocated to several efforts including the Hoback Junction Water and Sewer District (HJWSD) and a county-wide assessment of snow management. With around $6.9 million remaining for distribution, the BCC led a workshop at its Monday voucher meeting to review and discuss which projects should receive how much money.
“The direction marks a meaningful step in the County’s long-standing commitment to protecting the valley’s water resources,” reads a Teton County press release. “What began as early discussions about groundwater vulnerability has evolved into a coordinated, data-driven water quality strategy. Major milestones include the adoption of the Teton County Water Quality Management Plan, the creation of a full time position to oversee its implementation, the establishment of a formal organizational structure, the appointment of the Water Quality Advisory Board, and the formation of a staff-led technical working group.”
According to the County’s news release, four project proposals were heard and evaluated by the Commissioners and the Water Quality Advisory Board. Each of the presentations was assessed against the Water Quality Management Plan, project deliverables, life-cycle costs, coordination needs, capacity, stakeholder input and recommended next steps.
County staff has been instructed to draft agreements for the four projects, which will include potential conditions and a funding schedule through December 2029. According to staff notes, the Commissioners also lowered the recommended allocation for Teton County water and sewer infrastructure upgrades from $2 million to $1.5 million. That money is reserved for the County, though it has not yet been earmarked.
- Trout Unlimited and Snake River Headwaters Group are jointly requesting $80,000 for a water data dashboard that will centralize key water quality monitoring data, including streamflow, water temperature, pH and more.
- The Elk Refuge Improvement and Sewer District is requesting $1,250,000 for a wastewater conveyance system that would allow the Elk Refuge Inn, the Flat Creek Inn and other properties north of town to connect to the Town of Jackson sewer system.
- The Town of Jackson is requesting $1,500,000 for stormwater infrastructure on US89 — between South Park Loop Road and High School Road — that will provide pollution prevention and treatment to stormwater before it flows into Flat Creek.
- The Wilson Improvement and Sewer District is requesting $2,250,000 for Phase IV of the Wilson Sewer Project, which will provide sewer service to Fall Creek Road, Ulysses Lane and Chugwater Way areas.
The four agreement drafts will be presented to the BCC at a future regular meeting, where terms and conditions will be clarified before going to a vote. Public comment can be written and sent via email to commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov or given at BCC meetings.
