Idaho Falls City Council approves site plan for new Costco store

Costco plans to open a store in Idaho Falls in summer 2020
at the northwest corner of Lincoln and Hitt roads.

Costco plans to open a store in Idaho Falls the summer of 2020, as plans were unveiled Thursday night at the Idaho Falls City Council meeting. The council voted unanimously to approve the retail giant's plan to build in the city as part of Idaho Falls’ Economic Development Incentive Program.

Along with their application, a preliminary site plan was previewed for the northwest corner of Lincoln Road and 25th East (Hitt Road) in Idaho Falls.  The site plan includes a 150,000-square-foot retail facility as well as a 15 to 30 position fueling station.

According to a city press release, the Idaho Falls Costco is expected to bring more than 100 jobs to the city with full medical and dental benefits and salaries in excess of $15 per hour.  Construction is expected to begin in September of 2019 with an anticipated opening date of August 2020.

“Costco’s decision to locate in Idaho Falls was based on several factors, including the city’s ability to offer the Economic Development Incentive Program. Companies can qualify for this incentive primarily through creating a large quantity of new jobs in the community. Costco will do so, generating a substantial overall economic impact and spurring additional economic development in the northeast area of the city,” said Dana Briggs, economic development coordinator. “It has been a pleasure working with Costco Wholesale Corporation. The integrity of the company is evident in all coordination and communication. We look forward to continually working together as the Idaho Falls facility becomes a reality.”

The city’s Economic Development Incentive Program is designed to provide incentives to existing business expansion or new business location within Idaho Falls.

“Tonight’s announcement is terrific news for our community. 'When is Costco coming?' has been one of the most frequently asked economic development questions we’ve heard for years,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper.  “I am very confident that Costco executives will find a very professional and competent group of city planning, building, inspection and permitting officials to help them through this process, as well as a more than enthusiastic customer base when they arrive.”

Casper praised city staff for their hard work and efforts to help bring Costco to the city.  “I am very pleased with the behind-the-scenes preparation that Dana Briggs, our city’s Economic Development Coordinator, and her City colleagues have been able to make with this project so far. The best is yet to come."