An enterprise billed as the "world's first powered zip line," with controllable speeds of up to 90 mph, has been proposed for the Twin Falls side of the Snake River canyon.

Magic Valley Flight Simulation, a Twin Falls limited liability company, wants to bring a zip line to the canyon rim that would be 3,558 feet long. Under the proposal, the zip line would be bidirectional and turn 180 degrees to return to its launch site adjacent to Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center, offering a 1.3 mile round-trip ride.

The company needs an amendment for the zip line to be an allowable land use and is appearing before the city's planning and zoning commission at its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 305 Third Ave. E. The commission will make a recommendation that is forwarded to the City Council.

The zip line will be visible from the Perrine Bridge and Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center, but cannot be seen from private property or the walking paths along the rim, said Jody Tatum, a representative of the company.

The zip line would go east toward the Perrine Bridge from Canyon Crest, but turn around before the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center.

"We have a unique situation where the private property owners are willing to work with us," Tatum said.

The location, visible from the bridge and already zoned for recreational activity, makes it an ideal spot, she said.

The zip line would be battery-powered and have speeds that the rider could control - up to 90 mph for the first leg of the ride before the zip line turns around and heads back. That makes the zip line equally appealing to "adventure seekers and sightseers alike," Tatum said.

Those wanting a slower ride could travel at about 20 mph.

During the ride, the zip line's operator will be in touch with the passenger via two-way radio and, if necessary, can bring the riders back before the full ride is completed.

Riders also get a safety briefing prior to the ride. Tickets would be $60 apiece.

Twenty jobs would be created, according to the business plan.

Canyon Crest agreed to partner with the company and make its facilities available to riders for waiting, restrooms and parking, according to the business plan. The center couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

Because the zip line's ride turns around and goes back, there's only one location for launching riders.

The launch site would also be ADA compliant and the ride would be suitable for all ages, Tatum said.

If approved, construction could begin later this year, but is most likely to start in the early spring of 2010, she said.

Magic Valley Flight Simulation has been exploring both sides of the canyon to find the right combination of rock integrity for anchoring the line, location and property ownership, Tatum said.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3238.