Moon Pass Road Open and Repaired Through Federal Funds Coordinated by IOEM
Moon Pass Road in Shoshone County is once again open to the public, following long-term repairs made possible by federal funding secured after an April 2024 rockslide.
The road, a Forest Service route maintained by Shoshone County, was buried after a major weather system triggered a significant slide. That event contributed to the federal disaster declaration and Idaho’s State Disaster Declaration, both of which unlocked federal support to assist with debris removal and repair efforts.
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to secure Public Assistance funds that supported emergency debris removal. IOEM engaged with the Shoshone County, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) and Federal Highway Administration through their coordination of additional funding for long-term slope stabilization and roadbed repairs.
Crews began clearing the slide as soon as conditions allowed, working through unpredictable spring weather and unstable terrain to reopen the route for emergency access and then the public.
“These repairs do not just fix the damage, they make Shoshone County stronger,” said Ben Roeber, Bureau Chief at the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “Thanks to support from our partners, these programs were able to help the county restore access and make improvements that help protect this critical route from future events.”
Behind the scenes, it took exceptional coordination among local, tribal, state, and federal partners to make the project a success. Key partners included: Shoshone County Public Works Department, Shoshone County Emergency Management, LHTAC, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Idaho Geological Survey, Idaho Transportation Department, FEMA, FHWA, and the U.S. Forest Service.
“Shoshone County is extremely grateful for the partnerships we have built with all the agencies involved,” said Shoshone County Public Works Director, Jessica Stutzke. “Without their coordination and assistance, we would not have had the resources to tackle this disaster, and most likely would have no choice but to leave the road closed. It was truly a pleasure to work with each one of them.”
The roadway is now fully open with no travel restrictions in place.