News Release

Public Comment Encouraged for Concession Services Improvements with Upcoming New Contract

Date: May 21, 2020
Contact: Denise Germann, 307 739 3393

The National Park Service is encouraging public comment on an environmental assessment that examines proposed improvements that may be included in an upcoming concessions contract in Grand Teton National Park. The document, CC-GRTE001 Concessions Services Prospectus Development Environmental Assessment, is available for public review online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte-001and comments are being accepted through June 22.

 
The environmental assessment examines potential new construction and facility improvements that may be included in the upcoming commercial services prospectus of the park’s largest concession contract, currently held by Grand Teton Lodge Company.

A prospectus is a public solicitation for offers to conduct business with the National Park Service through a concessions contract. This prospectus is anticipated to be published in 2021.

Under the existing contract, Grand Teton Lodge Company provides a wide range of visitor services such as lodging, food and beverage services, retail, marina operations, campgrounds, guided horseback rides, guided fishing trips, and guided float trips at several locations in the park. The current contract expires December 31, 2021.  

The proposed project is under consideration because a need has been identified for changes to services, operations, and facilities associated with the concessions contract. Although no expansion of commercial services or increases in capacity for overnight accommodations have occurred, day use visitation continues to increase. The increase in the number of visitors has resulted in increased need for concessioner services, along with a need for more concessioner employees and employee housing.

The potential changes to the contract for consideration include:

• • 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
  • Relocation of concessioner-operated warehouse from one in-park location to another

Comments on the CC-GRTE001 Concessions Services Prospectus Development Environmental Assessment can be submitted online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte-001, or in writing to: Grand Teton National Park, Planning Office, P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012. Comment21should be submitted or postmarked by June 22, 2020.