Grand Teton National Park has gotten a green light in the process to make some improvement to park facilities. The National Park Service has signed a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Grand Teton National Park Concessions Services Prospectus Development Environmental Assessment.
The purpose of the plan was to analyze potential new construction and facility improvements for the park’s largest concession contract, currently held by Grand Teton Lodge Company.
Conducting an environmental assessment before the release of a prospectus is a novel approach that increases transparency, ensures that projects included in the solicitation are viable under the National Environmental Policy Act prior to any financial burdening of the business opportunity, and allows for timely project initiation after contract award.
Based on the analysis in the environmental assessment and public comments, the decision allows consideration of additional employee housing at Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village; fire protection enhancement at several locations in Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village; accessibility improvements at Colter Bay Marina and Elk Island; reconfiguration of food and beverage service at Jackson Lake Lodge; and improved amenities at campgrounds.
