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Land Use and Growth
Regional Transportation Growth Organizations
Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization
Formed in 2023, the Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) is a group of local governments that acts as a transportation planning body for the Cities of Twin Falls and Kimberly, as well as portions of Twin Falls County and Jerome County. Our study team collaborates with the MVMPO to create transportation solutions.
Third Crossing Joint Powers Committee
Commissioners from Jerome and Twin Falls counties, along with members of the Filer and Jerome Highway Districts, first signed a Joint Powers Agreement in 2021 to form a partnership to help address the growing traffic congestion across the Snake River. Specifically, the agreement set measures in place to allow them to better advocate for a new crossing and identified members to sit on a Third Crossing Joint Powers Board. The collaborative meetings have grown to include ITD and the MVMPO.
Why is it important to think about future growth?
Population in the Magic Valley has grown by almost 40% in the last 20 years.
Continued changes in population and land use in the Magic Valley places greater demand on transportation infrastructure. It is important to consider future growth, and its effects on travel patterns, when evaluating improvements to the transportation system.
How do we estimate future growth?
Previous estimates of future growth in the Magic Valley have relied on historical growth trends. The current study used a 2.5% annual compounded growth rate to forecast traffic volumes.
MVMPO is currently developing growth forecasts (based on zoning, development applications, and employment trends) for the year 2050, which will be incorporated into a travel demand model. The travel demand model will be used to understand future traffic patterns, congested roadways, and the effects of changes to the transportation system.
What are the growth forecasts for the Magic Valley?
Where is growth anticipated in the Magic Valley?
These areas of the Magic Valley MPO Planning Areas are anticipated to have the highest growth by 2050:
Residential
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Northwest of Twin Falls (between Grandview Drive and Rock Creek)
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East of Twin Falls (in the vicinity of Hankins Road)
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City of Kimberly areas of impact
Employment
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US-30/SH-50 corridors
(between Twin Falls and Kimberly) -
I-84 Interchange areas
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South Jerome (in the vicinity of Lincoln Street)
Source: MVMPO DRAFT Growth Forecasts
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