WILSON, Wyo. — The Teton Pass safety meeting in Wilson last night was a who’s who of both Teton counties.
There was standing room only in the Old Wilson Schoolhouse meeting room, where community members gathered to listen, discuss, and share ideas about safety on the mountain pass that connects Teton County, Wyoming, and Teton County, Idaho. The meeting was organized by seven residents in the wake of a devastating car crash near Wilson on July 7, when two people died and multiple were injured. Gary Kofinas, Nate Carey, Ellen Fales, Randy Roberts, Corey Milligan, Ryan Freeman, and Jared Smith joined forces to put the event on and offered pizza and beverages outside after the meeting.
Packed in the schoolhouse alongside residents and business owners stood representatives from both Teton County Boards of County Commissioners, Teton County (Wyoming) Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), numerous advocacy groups, the mayor of Driggs, and candidates in upcoming local elections. Kofinas kicked off the meeting with a summary of available data about collisions, injuries, deaths and catch-net arrestor saves.
“What do we not know?” Kofinas queried to the crowd about future action and safety changes. “We don’t know how WYDOT will respond. We don’t know if the state can legislate meaningful changes. … Local representatives have submitted bills in the past, and they get crushed. And we also don’t know if the public interest will wane over time — that’s up to you guys. Finally, how many more people will die before highway safety is improved?”
Kofinas introduced three speakers to give their professional perspectives on the issue and the path forward.
The meeting offered a platform for many people to share their feelings and experiences. More than 10 attendees were selected to give a brief public comment; some of whom live near WY22 on the east side of Teton Pass, one of whom received injuries in the July 7 crash; and others who laid out ideas and actions for moving toward a safer highway. Numerous people discussed using a low gear while descending the Pass; understanding the catch-net arrestor; staffing the WYDOT weigh station; and prioritizing the road as a commuter artery like it was originally intended when constructed in 1969, not as a commercial trucking route.
Kofinas outlined the next steps for the community effort, which include forming a citizens’ advocacy group, requesting that WYDOT form a Teton Pass highway safety task force, and establishing a Teton Pass advisory committee. Two of the meeting organizers have stepped forward to help form and lead the citizens’ advocacy group: Milligan and Carey. Milligan told Buckrail that he saw the “hard, inner core” of the community at the meeting, and he wants to help work on solutions.
“I feel like what I’m bringing to it is I’m really focused on the organization, the goal, and then the most timely, efficient, effective process to get there,” Milligan said.
