Spring Runoff Threatens Tiny Payette River Town

Giant boulders and thousands of tons of mud, logs and debris perch precariously over Lower Banks, threatening the future of the Payette River community.

Scientists warn that spring runoff or heavy rains could trigger more mudslides, and that it no longer is a safe place to live or do business.

Boise County officials must now decide whether tiny Lower Banks should cease to exist. The Boise County Commission approved an emergency ordinance Tuesday that allows it to declare parts of the county hazardous development sites.

It will vote today on whether to apply the designation to a restaurant, store, motel, service station and trailer court that make up most of Lower Banks.

“They’re suggesting Banks shut down,” said Jim Powell, who owns the trailer court and rental cabins.

“Our first obligation is the protection of the citizens and the county,” said commissioner John Foard.

Flood- and mudslide-stricken counties across the state are facing similar choices. In a state where private property rights are paramount, such restrictive orders come hard for conservative rural officials.

Boise County commissioners hope the hazard order would make the Banks landowners eligible for federal and state programs.