Governor Gordon Issues Emergency Declaration in Response to Teton Pass Landslide
Governor of Wyoming sent this bulletin at 06/08/2024 04:27 PM MDT |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2024
CONTACT: Michael Pearlman, Communications Director
Michael.Pearlman@wyo.gov
Governor Gordon Issues Emergency Declaration in Response to Teton Pass Landslide
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon has issued an Executive Order declaring an emergency in response to the catastrophic failure of Wyoming Highway 22, Teton Pass. Multiple mudslides have led to a catastrophic structural failure of the roadway at milepost 12.8. The declaration will help the state access additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to begin the substantial repairs required.
“We are closely monitoring this ongoing situation, and Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel are working diligently to develop a long-term solution to rebuild this critical roadway,” Governor Gordon said. “I recognize the significant impacts this closure has to Teton County residents, regional commuters and the local economy.”
“WYDOT remains on site decisively engaged on fixing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley. Safety is our utmost priority, and we ask that recreationists and curious residents avoid the area until it can be stabilized,” WYDOT Director Darin Westby added.
The Emergency Declaration states that current conditions affecting highway integrity and structural stability continue to deteriorate, and efforts to reduce further damage must begin immediately. It also states that the closure, “endangers the health, safety, economy, and resources of residents of Wyoming.”
The Executive Order directs the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and WYDOT to “take all appropriate and necessary actions, including but not limited to, coordination of state and federal resources” to respond to the incident.
There is no estimate on a repair completion date for the roadway at this time. WYDOT will issue ongoing updates as they are available. Video footage of the current condition of the roadway may be viewed here.
The Governor’s Executive Order may be found here.
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