The City of Pocatello is seeking public input for an Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Recreational Trails Program grant application. The preliminary project design estimates a total project cost of up to $40,000. If grant funds are awarded, the improvements would be implemented in the next couple of years.
The application would fund trailhead and river access improvements at the Simplot Trailhead, located just off of Highway 30 on the northwest side of the Highway 30 bridge, off of the old Highway 30 right-of-way.
The proposed improvements would include adding a parking lot in front of the existing gate and creating a river access pathway down to the river from the gate, similar to other river access pathways. Trailhead improvements would make for safer, more accessible river trail access in an area of the Portneuf River that has water all summer long. River users could float from this point down to Batiste Bridge or Douglass Lane (90-minute float). Independent from this project the City would be working on opening up the debris jams by the Abraszewski Trailhead to make the upstream stretch of the river more floatable.
“We hope that the expansion of the water trail system will make the trails more accessible for all,” said Hannah Sanger, Science & Environment Administrator. “This section is a great intermediate float, and perfect for kayaks and paddleboards, and will be accessible for fishing as well.”
To provide feedback and comment on the grant application proposal, contact Hannah Sanger, Science & Environment Administrator, at hsanger@pocatello.gov or 208-234-6518. The City will be accepting public comment on the grant application until Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. MT.