With the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam collapse approaching next year, Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill has sparked new discussion about rebuilding the dam. During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Merrill highlighted several key reasons why a new dam could benefit the region, most notably water storage.
“As we grow into the future, not on
y for the farmers to produce crops, but for cities to grow and develop,” Merrill said, “water storage is probably the number one concern.”
In addition to supporting agricultural and urban development, Merrill pointed to flood control as a critical issue. Without a dam, water from the Teton River drainage flows unchecked, sometimes causing significant seasonal flooding. A new dam could help regulate that flow.
“If we had a dam where we could keep the water, and release it as we need it, then that way we can control that flooding a lot better,” Merrill said.
Another benefit of a rebuilt dam would be hydroelectric power, which Merrill described as one of the most affordable and low-carbon energy sources available.
According to the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the project would likely be federally funded, with construction costs paid upfront. Over the next 40 to 50 years, those who benefit, like farmers and city water users, would repay the government through usage fees.
Though formal planning has not begun, Merrill noted an advantage: the original Teton Dam site is still federally approved by the Bureau of Reclamation, which could help speed up the process.
Still, the mayor estimates it will take at least 10 years before actual preparations could begin. The process would include updated environmental reviews and engineering studies to ensure the new dam is built to modern safety standards.
While the project is still in its early stages, the idea of a new Teton Dam is officially back on the table.