Central Wyoming News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a recent Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee hearing, ranking member John Barrasso (R-WY) questioned Mr. Troy Heithecker, a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Associate Deputy Chief, regarding the Teton Pass road collapse in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Wyoming.

Senator Barrasso emphasized the urgency of reopening the road: “Last Friday, a segment of the Teton Pass Highway in Wyoming collapsed in a landslide… The landslide has cut off a crucial transit route between Victor, Idaho and Jackson Hole, Wyoming – one state to the other. Thousands of people from all walks of life use this road every day to commute to work… These are the workers who keep the community in Jackson Hole thriving. They include healthcare workers at the hospital, school teachers, firefighters, rescuers, EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, construction workers, restaurant and hotel staff... They also include employees of the U.S. Forest Service and Grand Teton National Park…”

Barrasso noted ongoing efforts with state authorities: “I have been talking with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and our Governor and I know that the Department of Transportation is working with your agency... We need the road to be safe and made open again as quickly as possible.”

Mr. Heithecker detailed their collaborative efforts: “From the beginning we’ve been engaged with the Department of Transportation there... We’ve helped them with some strategic planning... engagement with local authorities... both districts... are both working on expediting and doing what we can to being part of the recovery and a bypass there.”

Senator Barrasso further pressed on plans for a temporary bypass: “We’re working with the Governor as you know... Can you share with us what the Forest Service is doing to expedite the construction of this bypass road?”

Mr. Heithecker responded: “To my understanding... we are working to create a bypass. DOT is moving out on it and we are doing everything we can to expedite those processes while of course staying in compliance.”