Jackson Hole residents will soon see a new fire‑station site materialize on the east side of the Hoback traffic circle after the Teton County Board of County Commissioners gave final approval on Tuesday to purchase the land from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). The 1.64‑acre parcel, priced at $750,000, is slated to become the location of an upgraded Hoback fire station, a project that has been on the county’s wish list for more than ten years.
According to Buckrail, the board’s decision follows nearly two years of negotiations between county officials and WYDOT. County Fire/EMS Chief Mike Moyer addressed the commissioners, noting the long‑standing effort to secure a suitable parcel for the station. The land sits directly east of the Hoback traffic circle, a strategic spot that will improve response times for the growing community.
The need for a new facility stems from a 2012 Fire/EMS facility assessment that described the existing Hoback Fire Station as having “significant deficiencies” and lacking sufficient space for modern operations. County leaders have repeatedly highlighted that the current structure cannot meet contemporary emergency‑service demands, prompting the push for a larger, purpose‑built site.
Legal nuances of the transaction were also discussed. County Deputy Attorney Keith Gingery explained that WYDOT’s offer includes a quit‑claim deed rather than a warranty deed, meaning the county would receive ownership without the same guarantee against future claims. He also flagged a reversion clause that would require the property to revert to WYDOT if it ceases to be used for a “public purpose.” While the county initially opposed the clause, commissioners plan to clarify WYDOT’s definition of public purpose before the quit‑claim deed is finalized. Commissioner Len Carlman urged officials to consider the broad range of county services—such as housing—when defining public purposes.
Funding for the purchase traces back to two Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) votes. In 2017, voters approved SPET funds for land acquisition, easements, and planning for a future Hoback station. A 2022 SPET option allocated $15 million for planning, designing, and constructing a new fire station in Hoback and/or Wilson. County officials now expect that rising construction costs will outpace the 2022 allocation, making the recent land purchase a critical first step. What’s next: county staff will work with WYDOT to draft the quit‑claim deed, finalize the public‑purpose language, and move forward with design and engineering studies for the new station.
Sources: buckrail.com
