News Releases

The City of Pocatello will receive over $16.4M for its South 5th Avenue Complete Streets and Sewer project, which will see much-needed infrastructure improvements in the corridor. On July 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $325 million in funding for 21 selected applications to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, and the City was one of the recipients chosen.

“The City of Pocatello is excited to receive this grant from the EPA to make vital improvements along our South 5th corridor,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “We look forward to implementing these community-driven projects that will help transform one of our disadvantaged neighborhoods and bring opportunities to Pocatello as a whole.”

The funding will support many improvements in the area including:

•    Installation of sewer lines in un-sewered neighborhoods along S. 5th Ave.

•    Installation of 57 working drinking fountains throughout parks in the project area

•    Transformation of three miles of S. 5th Ave. with sidewalks and a separated Greenway Trail

•    New 6-mile Greenway Trail along the lava cliffs and by the highway pond

•    Interpretive signage for area petroglyphs and historical markers

•    Centennial/Rainey Park River Vision projects, including a new parking lot and tree plantings

•    Stormwater infrastructure and park amenity upgrades at Constitution Park

The projects were selected to address EPA Climate and Pollution strategies. The S. 5th Complete Streets and Sewer projects will mitigate a nitrate infiltration issue in the area, upgrade the sewer line capacity, provide sewer connections for properties in the area, increase potable water in City parks by upgrading and adding drinking fountains, enhance active transportation options with bike lanes and greenway trail, increase greenspace and trees, and improve Portneuf River quality through the River Vision projects. Overall, this will address EPA strategies and goals to support community-driven projects that will improve health, safety, transportation, and quality of life in the project area. 

The City applied for the Community Change grant in partnership with the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, which will serve as the Community Based Organization nonprofit for the project. The projects are scheduled to be completed in 2028.