City of Pocatello to host town hall meetings about solar eclipse

POCATELLO — This summer, the city of Pocatello will host a series of town hall meetings about the impact of the Aug. 21 Great American Eclipse.

According to a city of Pocatello press release, the meetings will address how the city plans to handle the upcoming astronomical event and the impact it could have on area residents and businesses.

Both the general public and local business owners are invited to the meetings, where city officials will also listen to any concerns from residents regarding the eclipse.

The upcoming eclipse will be viewable at multiple locations across the country. However, the Snake River Valley in East Idaho was recently listed by GreatAmericanEclipse.com as one of the top places to view the event.

That’s due to the prospect of good weather and the large number of roads that allow for maneuverability in case of heavy cloud cover.

According to an article by the Washington Post, the Idaho Falls area has a 78 percent chance of having viewable conditions on the day of the eclipse, which is one of the highest percentages in the entire country.

The event is also expected to bring hundreds of thousands, possibly more than a million, eclipse chasers to East Idaho.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people not just in the United States but around the world,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad in a press release. “We want our businesses to be prepared and all residents ready that day-to-day life may be impacted by the influx.”

This sudden influx of people coming into the region is expected to put a lot of pressure on the local infrastructure, with officials preparing for heavy traffic and possible disruptions to cellphone services.

Law enforcement, public health and emergency personnel from multiple East Idaho counties are currently working with other state agencies to prepare for any emergency situations that might occur during the Aug. 21 eclipse.

According to the Associated Press, the Idaho Transportation Department will also suspend construction projects and maintenance on most highways during the weekend of the eclipse to help ease traffic congestion.

Though totality will be between Shelley and north of Dubois on the morning of Aug. 21, local officials said the Gate City area will still feel the impact of so many visitors coming into the area and will need to be prepared.

“Pocatellans have an amazing sense of hospitality and we want to make sure we put our best foot forward for our guests,” Blad said in a press release. “I know of a couple from Denmark who booked their accommodations in Pocatello a year in advance.”

The public meetings will be held in the Pocatello City Council Chambers located at 911 North 7th Ave. The meeting dates with various industries include: