The Hoback Junction Water and Sewer District on Oct. 13 asked the Teton County Board of County Commissioners to match $25,000 the district has raised toward an estimated $50,000 wastewater-alternatives study, saying a new drinking-water system will not address failing septic systems that continue to affect neighbors outside the district.

“We are all aware of the serious water quality issues down in the Hoback area,” Robert Frodeman, chair of the Hoback Junction Water and Sewer District, told the commissioners. “A drinking water system will only isolate the district members from the problem. It does not address the underlying problem, which is rooted in inadequate septic systems.”

The district told the commission it has raised roughly half of the proposed study cost and hopes the county will match the remaining $25,000 so the study can begin within a month or two and a community charrette be held next summer. The study would (1) characterize the wastewater problem, (2) identify alternatives and estimated costs, and (3) locate potential funding sources, Frodeman said.

Frodeman described the fundraising already in hand: $10,000 from local businesses, $5,000 from Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, and a $10,000 grant from the Teton Conservation District. The district said it expects to put a drinking-water project to bid in spring, break ground in summer and have water flowing sometime in 2027, but that those efforts will serve district members only and leave others exposed to wastewater risks.

Commissioners discussed timing and funding options. Commissioner Probst said he would like the county to consider the request next week and asked staff to place it on the next available agenda. Chris Peltz, Teton County Water Resources coordinator, told the board the county’s SPET language (the local water-quality funding guidance discussed in meetings) has been interpreted broadly to permit feasibility and alternatives analyses, but recommended checking with the county attorney for a formal legal interpretation.

Heather Overholser, director of public works, said staff intends to bring a packet of water-quality funding proposals to a Nov. 4 workshop for review by the board and the Water Quality Advisory Board; she added that complex or higher-dollar requests may take until early December to process. Commissioners indicated support for adding the Hoback request to next week’s agenda for earlier consideration, while also acknowledging the November packet of funding proposals the advisory board will present.

No formal county appropriation was made on Oct. 13; commissioners directed staff to schedule the Hoback funding request for the next agenda so the board can consider the $25,000 match after receiving any additional staff recommendations and the advisory board’s forthcoming packet.

Next steps: staff will place the Hoback Junction request on the next voucher/agenda as directed; the Water Quality Advisory Board will present its packet of requests at a Nov. 4 workshop and staff will return to the board with recommendations and any legal guidance about SPET eligibility.