News Release

Potential Improvements Approved with Upcoming Concessions Contract

Date: October 15, 2020
Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393
Contact: C.J. Adams, 307.739.3431

The National Park Service has signed a Finding of No Significant Impact for the GRTE001 Concessions Services Prospectus Development Environmental Assessment. The purpose of the plan was to analyze potential new construction and facility improvements in the upcoming commercial services prospectus of 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. Alternatively, projects could be implemented by the National Park Service if federal funds become available.  

Based on the analysis in the environmental assessment and public comments, the decision allows for the following potential changes to the contract for consideration:

• 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,
• Improved amenities at campgrounds, and
• Relocation of concessioner-operated warehouse from one in-park location to another.

Concurrently, the National Park Service is developing a prospectus to solicit offers to provide lodging, food and beverage, activities, and other services required to conduct business in Colter Bay Village, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and other locations in the park under concessions contract CC-GRTE001. This current contract expires on December 31, 2021. 

The decision document, environmental assessment, and other information is available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte-001.