Wildlife Overpasses and Fencing
Let’s recap a little history on this issue. In the fall of 2018, Governor Brad Little, made the following campaign statement to the people of Idaho: "Every year, Idaho has a shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars for the maintenance of Idaho’s roads and bridges. The cost of these wildlife overpasses do not seem like a wise and prudent use of precious transportation dollars. Additionally, there are important requirements that must be met for a project of this size. ITD and other state agencies must receive buy in from local stakeholder groups and the citizens most affected by the project. This isn’t the case at this time. Infrastructure improvements should also clearly improve a community and its local economy. We must make this stretch of road safer and there are many options on the table for consideration in the coming years. I look forward to working with the residents of Fremont County to find a solution." Governor Little made it very clear that there must be buy in by the “most affected” local citizens.
In November of 2018, Fremont County held an advisory vote on wildlife overpasses and fences. The advisory vote language read as follows: “Advisory Ballot Do you favor wildlife crossings - defined as overpasses, underpasses, or other structures and/or fencing constructed or erected for the purpose of directing wildlife movement to avoid the highway - along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor in Fremont County?” By an overwhelming 4 to 1 margin, the voters rejected wildlife overpasses and fencing.
In addition, the local District 35 Idaho State legislators unanimously rejected wildlife overpasses and fencing during the 2018 campaign. Local mayors also voiced their opposition to wildlife overpasses in Fremont County as did the Island Park Chamber of Commerce.
In December of 2018 the Fremont County Republican Central Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing wildlife overpasses in Fremont County. In January, the Idaho Republican Central Committee unanimously passed a resolution rejecting wildlife overpasses in Fremont County.
We are a republic not a bureaucratic state. Voters matter. NO MEANS NO! It is time for our political leadership to stand tall. Our mayors, county commissioners, state legislators, and our governor must support the people who elected them, and REJECT wildlife overpasses in Fremont County. In Fremont County we love our wildlife AND our people. We must protect both with common sense solutions that protect wildlife and the welfare of the citizens. One cannot and should not be placed ahead of the other.
Let’s recap a little history on this issue. In the fall of 2018, Governor Brad Little, made the following campaign statement to the people of Idaho: "Every year, Idaho has a shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars for the maintenance of Idaho’s roads and bridges. The cost of these wildlife overpasses do not seem like a wise and prudent use of precious transportation dollars. Additionally, there are important requirements that must be met for a project of this size. ITD and other state agencies must receive buy in from local stakeholder groups and the citizens most affected by the project. This isn’t the case at this time. Infrastructure improvements should also clearly improve a community and its local economy. We must make this stretch of road safer and there are many options on the table for consideration in the coming years. I look forward to working with the residents of Fremont County to find a solution." Governor Little made it very clear that there must be buy in by the “most affected” local citizens.
In November of 2018, Fremont County held an advisory vote on wildlife overpasses and fences. The advisory vote language read as follows: “Advisory Ballot Do you favor wildlife crossings - defined as overpasses, underpasses, or other structures and/or fencing constructed or erected for the purpose of directing wildlife movement to avoid the highway - along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor in Fremont County?” By an overwhelming 4 to 1 margin, the voters rejected wildlife overpasses and fencing.
In addition, the local District 35 Idaho State legislators unanimously rejected wildlife overpasses and fencing during the 2018 campaign. Local mayors also voiced their opposition to wildlife overpasses in Fremont County as did the Island Park Chamber of Commerce.
In December of 2018 the Fremont County Republican Central Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing wildlife overpasses in Fremont County. In January, the Idaho Republican Central Committee unanimously passed a resolution rejecting wildlife overpasses in Fremont County.
We are a republic not a bureaucratic state. Voters matter. NO MEANS NO! It is time for our political leadership to stand tall. Our mayors, county commissioners, state legislators, and our governor must support the people who elected them, and REJECT wildlife overpasses in Fremont County. In Fremont County we love our wildlife AND our people. We must protect both with common sense solutions that protect wildlife and the welfare of the citizens. One cannot and should not be placed ahead of the other.
