YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) - Yellowstone officials plan to build a larger West Entrance station to improve visitor safety and service.
Superintendent Suzanne Lewis announced Friday that the National Park Service has begun exploring alternatives for a new station at West Yellowstone, Mont., and asked the public for ideas.
The Park Service proposes to construct a station farther into the park but no more than a mile from the boundary. The project may also include a visitor contact station.
Among the problems with the existing building is that today's taller and wider vehicles routinely hit the station or its detached roof, officials said.
Also, because the station is next to West Yellowstone, a line of vehicles entering the park often backs up into town, creating congestion. Installation of an express kiosk has not solved the problem because the lane leading to it is too short, officials said.
In addition, the station lacks adequate office space and restroom facilities and has no room for visitor information services.
Construction of the new entrance station is to begin in the fall of 2004 or spring of 2005.
Before altering or razing the existing one, the Park Service will determine if it is eligible for listing on the National Historic Register.
The public's concerns will be addressed in an environmental assessment being prepared for the project, Lewis said.
Comments may be sent to Planning Office, West Entrance Project, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190. The deadline is Nov. 15, 2002.
