The City of Pocatello is excited to share recent progress on several important projects funded by federal, state, and local partnerships.
Centennial/Rainey Park Levee Setback – Funded by the Bureau of Reclamation
The City is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this vital flood protection and habitat project. The Corps has completed its review of the 60% design, and the City’s Engineering contractor, Harmony Design & Engineering, has submitted the 90% design. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Funding is in place to move the levees and create new wetland and river access. However, additional funding will be needed for park and parking lot improvements outside the levee area.
Oxbow Project Design – Bureau of Reclamation
Surveying and site assessment are underway, including cultural resource reviews. A 60% design is expected by fall 2026, at which point public input will be invited. Funding will be pursued at that point to complete the final design and construction.
Portneuf Watershed Partnership – Bureau of Reclamation
The City has partnered with Trout Unlimited to hire a new Project Coordinator to support the Portneuf Watershed Partnership and lead outreach efforts for Marsh Creek. Additionally, the City is working with the University of Idaho to model surface water flow. Later this year, a Request for Proposals will be issued for designing restoration improvements along the North Portneuf River from Sacajawea Park to Simplot. This effort aims to improve floatability and riparian habitat, addressing invasive crack willow growth.
Forest Service Wildfire Fuels Reduction
The City has secured funding to remove junipers from City-owned land, with removal planned for winter 2025–2026. Additional funding requests are pending for similar work in other areas of town.
Idaho Community Development Block Grant – Public Restrooms
Contracts are underway to install public restrooms at three key locations by the end of 2025:
• Optimist/Tydeman Park (near the new Skate Park)
• Lower Ross Park (near Pleasureland playground)
• Upper City Creek parking lot (vault toilet)
Simplot/Idaho Parks and Recreation – River Access Project
Thanks to support from Simplot and Idaho Parks and Recreation, a new river access point will be installed just south of Simplot near the Greenway Trailhead, with construction planned for Fall 2025.
Upper City Creek Parking Lot – Idaho Parks and Recreation
The parking lot will be relocated approximately 100 feet and a gate repositioned, with construction planned for 2026. This project includes the vault toilet mentioned above.
Greenway Trail Grant Projects – Multiple Funders
Thanks to assistance from the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, several Greenway projects are moving forward:
1. Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road (along I-15) – Construction in 2025
2. Pocatello Creek Road to Bannock County Events Center (along I-15) – Construction in 2025
3. Brennan Bridge (connecting Brennan Trail to Millward Mile) – Construction in 2026
4. Greenway extension over Pocatello Creek at the Pacific Recycling Trailhead – Planning underway