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Home My WebLink AboutE.2. GAP TOP ApplicationFRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION CITY OF BOZEMAN  TOP FUNDING APPLICATION Submitted by   Galla10 Alliance for Pathways October 28, 2019  1 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION CONTENTS Application Narrative 1 through ………………………………………3 Guiding Documents ………………………………………………..….12 Budget …………………..………………………………………………14 Maps………………………………………………………………………15 Photos …..……………………………………………………………….18 Economic Growth ……………………………………………………..22 Supporting Documents ……………………………………………….23 Letters of Support ……………………………………………………..24 2 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION NARRATIVE 1. Please give a brief description of your project that includes location, budget, amount requested, and amount contributed from other sources. This project aims to develop a separated multipurpose pathway along the north side of Frontage Road between Valley Center Spur and the Cherry River Fishing Access Site. Proposed here is construction of two short segments of 10-foot-wide paved pathway. The western Segment One (shown in yellow on left of aerial photo below) extending 0.47 miles in length, will be built on a parcel of land owned by the City of Bozeman. It is sandwiched between the MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) ofﬁce property on Nelson Road, and Moss Bridge Road. The eastern Segment Two (shown in yellow on right of aerial photo below) runs 0.57 miles between Reeves Road and the Cherry River Fishing Access Site along the railroad right-of-way. 3 “A shared-use path along Frontage Road was specifically identified as a priority . . . and will improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity.” Bozeman Mayor Cynthia L. Andrus FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION The total cost of both segments is $625,902. GAP hereby requests $300,000 in TOP funding (48% of total cost). The remaining $325,902 (52% of total cost) is being raised by GAP through direct funding and in-kind contributions. A summary of costs for construction of the two segments is outlined in the chart below. (Should prioritization become necessary, GAP suggests ﬁrst priority be allocated to the western Segment One.) When completed, this path will connect multiple recreation sites around the valley. It will provide the ﬁnal link connecting the new trail to the “M” all the way out to the “Triangle” area and other points west of the City. It will promote public awareness about clean energy, water quality protection and a healthy environment with educational signage at an attractively landscaped open space near the NorthWestern Energy’s solar power array, the City’s wastewater treatment plant and Catron Creek. 4 “With the road lacking shoulder space there have been six accidents in the past six years involving pedestrians and bicyclists on this stretch of road.” Senator Steve Daines “The vision to transform this segment of Frontage Road into a multi-modal transportation corridor is broadly and strongly embraced by state and local government and community stakeholders.” Senator Jon Tester Description of Pathway Segments Estimate with 20% Contingency TOP Funding  Requested GAP and In Kind Contributions TOP / GAP Percentages Segment One (west) = 0.47 mile Between MDT ofﬁce and Moss Bridge Rd. Located on City of Bozeman property $270,814 $150,000 $120,814 55% / 45% Segment Two (east) = 0.57 mile Between Reeves Rd and Cherry River Site Located on railroad right-of-way $355,088 $150,000 $205,088 42% / 58% Total $625,902 $300,000 $325,902 48% / 52% FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 2. Brieﬂy describe how the project creates or enhances one or more of the following: a. Open Space/Natural Areas b. Parks c. Trails d. Water Quality e. Multi-Use Recreational Fields. Trails: This proposed pathway will add a crucial and long overdue link to the existing network of trails in and around Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley. Citizens and local leaders, including the late Mary Vant Hull, have been advocating for this pathway for more than 30 years. It is speciﬁcally mentioned as a priority in the PROST plan, the 2017 Bozeman Area Master Transportation Plan and comports with guidelines set forth in the 2009 Bozeman Community Plan (for details see page 12). Segment One (west):  With completion of the trafﬁc signal at Valley Center Spur and the pathway currently under construction within the new Nelson Meadows subdivision, a requirement is being triggered for the MDT to install a path across their property. Construction of the pathway’s Segment One on City property will give non-motorized users a means of traveling from Valley Center Spur to Moss Bridge Road (a dead end street very rarely used by vehicles) and on to Springhill Road, from where access already exists to get to the East Gallatin River and North 19th Avenue via an existing trail on the east side of Springhill Road. Segment Two (east):  Installation of a proposed rapid ﬂashing beacon (RFB) at the eastern terminus of Moss Bridge Road where it meets Springhill Road will facilitate a safe means for pathway users to cross onto Campbell Road and Reeves Road. Campbell and Reeves Roads are private streets dedicated to public use (see documentation in Appendix X below) that currently bear little vehicular trafﬁc. At the intersection where Reeves Road meets the Frontage Road, new pathway will be built to connect to the Eastern Cherry River Fishing Access Site near North 7th Avenue. From this location, the entire “Main Street to the Mountains” network of trails is accessible, including the newly completed trail all the way out to the “M” and all the many trails through Bozeman and beyond. 5 “It is projects like these that literally pave the way for future growth in a sound manner. This plan would support an effort that can only be described as a huge return on investment for future generations.”.” Erik R Nelson, ThinkTank Design Group Inc. FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Water Quality and Open Space/Natural Areas: An attractively landscaped open space is planned for the area at the western terminus of Moss Bridge Road, adjacent to where it crosses Catron Creek and where NorthWestern Energy’s solar panel array and the City’s wastewater treatment plant are clearly visible. This area will be planted with native and drought resistant plants and have informational signage to provide public education about renewable solar energy, responsible water use and wastewater treatment, along with benches and possibly a small public sculpture garden. Cleaning up the area immediately surrounding the bridge over Catron Creek, which is currently neglected (see photos), will provide a welcoming space where pathway users can pause to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Parks: As Bozeman’s population continues to grow, the City’s property along the East Gallatin River (north of the open area described above) may become a favorable location for a park or other type of open space. 3. Has the exact site been identiﬁed? If so, please detail here. As described above, the western Segment One of this pathway will be located north of Frontage Road on property owned by the City of Bozeman, immediately north of the existing power line, and will extend 2,500 linear feet from the property’s western boundary to the western terminus of Moss Bridge Road. It will run along the southern edge of the existing array of solar panels and be separated from it with appropriate fencing. Relocation of the existing fence will be necessary in order to delineate a clear boundary between the pathway and the solar panels. The eastern Segment Two will similarly be located north of Frontage Road, extending 3,000 linear feet between the eastern terminus of Reeves Road (where it intersects Frontage Road) and the western terminus of existing trails in the Cherry River Fishing Access Site (near North 7th Avenue). It will be sited on the railroad right-of-way between private property boundary lines and the northern edge of MDT’s roadway easement. There will be no impact to any existing structures or roads, other than the aforementioned relocation of the fence to mark a clear separation of the pathway from NorthWestern Energy’s solar panels. 6 “Development of a shared-use path along Frontage Road will greatly benefit our patients and employees” John G. Hill, President and CEO Bozeman Health FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 4. Brieﬂy explain how the project creates long term value for the residents of Bozeman. The beneﬁts of multi-use pathways have long been recognized by the City of Bozeman and cited in numerous local study documents (see citations below from PROST Plan, 2009 Community Plan and 2017 Master Transportation Plan below). As Bozeman’s population continues to grow, especially to the north and west, pressures for expansion of the “Main Street to the Mountains” network of trails will only intensify as ever more City residents and visitors seek additional avenues for non-motorized travel around the valley, both for transportation and for recreation. Completion of the pathway proposed here will represent a major contribution to the existing network of trails; it will connect parks, playing ﬁelds and other open spaces in and around the City of Bozeman. It will link eastern parts of Bozeman, where a more dense network of trails currently exist, to western parts of the City where additional trails are needed. The two segments of pathway proposed here are key to connecting northeast and northwest sides of the valley, allowing cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users a means of getting all the way from the “M” out to Valley Center Road, and from there along already existing trails to the western “Triangle” and points beyond. This proposal represents a rare opportunity to glean exceptional “bang for the buck” by leveraging the work of other private and public entities to create a 2.5 mile route from new construction of just 1.4 pathway miles, in two short segments, one 0.47 mile (2,500 feet) and the other 0.57 mile (3,000 feet). What was originally ﬁgured in the 2017 Bozeman Area Transportation Master Plan to cost approximately $1 million per mile can now be completed (2.5 miles) for less than $650,000. By any measure, this represents great value for Bozeman taxpayers. Completion of this route will convert what is at present a very dangerous stretch of Frontage Road, where the narrow or non-existent shoulder of pavement forces cyclists far too close to cars and trucks whizzing by at highway speeds, into a safe and attractive means of getting between North 7th Avenue and Valley Center Road. Already, two bicyclists have been killed in recent years by vehicles on Frontage Road and several more severely injured. This pathway will also provide the following additional quality of life beneﬁts to Bozeman residents and visitors: 7 “With the proposed connection of Cherry River and Valley Center Road, the system will open up extensions to the historically underserved western side of Bozeman, making possible a virtually uninterrupted system of pathways from Jackrabbit Lane to the “M”!” Gary Hellenga, Co-President, Big Sky Wind Drinkers FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION •Extend recreational and commuter transportation opportunities toward outlying areas of northwest Bozeman, providing access to businesses along Frontage Road, Springhill Road, Valley Center Road and the “Triangle” area, as well as bringing non-motorized users into the core of the Bozeman community; •Connect multiple parks and other open spaces; •Protect air and water quality by reducing automobile emissions; •Provide a safe and scenic means for citizens to improve and maintain health; •Make transportation to and from work/school more affordable for lower income residents; •Encourage people to work, play and visit our community without adding additional vehicle trafﬁc clogging local roadways; •Offer public education relating to clean energy, water quality and local stream systems. 5. Please list all groups/organizations involved or contributing to this project and what their short and long term commitments will be. GAP is a 501(c)3 non-proﬁt organization staffed entirely by volunteers; it is actively raising funds for this project. GAP is committed to acquiring the additional funds necessary to complete this project. It is anticipated that construction will begin some in the summer of 2020. The Board members of of GAP are:   Marilee Brown Ralph Zimmer Rob Bukvich Danielle Sharf Jason Delmue Betty Stroock In-kind contributions have been offered at this early date by the following organizations: •Collins Coalition •Kari Friedman Memorial Fund 8 “The proposed pathway will connect into the greater Bozeman Area Main Street to the Mountains trail system, which we have helped to create over the past 28 years, at the State Cherry River Fishing Access Site.” Penelope Pierce, Executive Director, Gallatin Valley Land Trust GVLT FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION •NorthWestern Energy •Nelson Meadows Subdivision - Barnard Construction •Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) •Gallatin Veterinary Hospital •Galla10 Alliance for Pathways - 3,021 members Substantial savings are achieved by locating Segment One of the pathway on City of Bozeman property rather than having to purchase an easement from the railroad and MDT, and by the use of existing streets that are primarily used by neighborhood residents. Other Support: In 2016, GAP initiated a petition drive to gauge public support for the pathway. In just 6 weeks, with only 3 volunteers collecting signatures, more than 3,000 people signed the petition requesting that the pathway be built. Many offered to help with volunteer labor and ﬁnancial contributions. An informal survey conducted more recently, over just six days in October 2019 (sent out online through Nextdoor, other social media and in person among Bozeman’s general population and some recreational groups) has had 292 responses as of 10/27/19. It demonstrates the following support for this project: •62% answered that they would use the proposed Frontage Pathway primarily for recreation or for both recreation and commuting. •3% answered that they would use the pathway only for commuting; •24% answered that they would not be using the pathway personally but support its development; •96% support the use of TOP Grant funds to build the pathway; •91% of respondents live, work or go to school in Bozeman; •60% answered that they would be willing to contribute either ﬁnancially and/or with volunteer time. 9 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Once TOP funds are awarded, GAP will be able to aggressively accelerate fundraising activities. (This is what other groups have done to acquire necessary monies; like them, TOP grant allocations will be leveraged to spur additional contributions.) It is expected that GAP will meet its ﬁnancial obligations in time for construction to begin in 2020. Volunteers and engineering professionals associated with GAP stand ready to assist with design and maintenance activities. The following list of organizations are partners with GAP in supporting this project: •Big Sky WindDrinkers •Bike Walk Montana •Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board •Bozeman Area Community Foundation •Bozeman Area Pedestrian and Trafﬁc Committee •Bozeman Recreation and Parks Advisory Board •Bozeman Women’s Athletic Groups (BWAGS) •Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport •City of Belgrade •City of Bozeman •Collin’s Coalition •Future West •Gallatin County •Gallatin Valley Bike Club •Gallatin Valley Land Trust •Headwaters Economics •Human Resource Development Council/Streamline •Montana Department of Transportation •Nelson Meadows Subdivision •North Loop Subdivision •NorthWestern Energy •Rails to Trails Conservancy •Senator Steve Daines •Senator Jon Tester •Western Transportation Institute 10 “Providing active transportation options will improve the physical health and quality of life of our citizens.” Bridget Wilkinson, Bozeman Area Community Foundation FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 6. Please describe the anticipated maintenance requirements for the site and who will be responsible for maintenance. As the proposed segments of new pathway will be sited either on City of Bozeman property or a public easement within the City boundaries, it is anticipated that maintenance responsibilities of both Segment One (west) and Segment Two (east) will rest with the City. For the ﬁrst number of years following construction, maintenance activities will consist of occasional sweeping in summer and snow removal in winter. Snow removal on the path can be accomplished as an extension of similar work on Moss Bridge Road, which the City already does in accordance with its own snow removal priority policies. Long term maintenance such as seal coating and repaving will become part of a larger public discussion relating to maintenance of all other paved trails in and around Bozeman, such as the trail near the Bozeman Public Library, the Highland Boulevard Trail, the College-Hufﬁne trail, and the trail to the “M”. All other portions of the path located on private property in Nelson Meadows and the MDT will be maintained by the land owners as required by the City of Bozeman. Private local streets designated for public use will be maintained by the HOA’s. Sidewalk projects may be added adjacent to those streets in the future. 7. Are you aware of any mitigation needs on any part of the proposed property? If so, please explain. This project has no known negative impacts to the human and/or natural environment. No environmental or other mitigation concerns have been identiﬁed or raised. The pathway route contains no apparent wetlands, habitats for endangered or threatened species or historic structures.  Any studies done by the City of Bozeman, Montana State University or NorthWestern Energy as part of installation of the solar power project along Frontage Road have not been reviewed but should be readily available. Construction and maintenance of the pathway will have minimal negative impacts to the human and/or natural environment. 11 “The City would get a great return on its investment by approving funds for the proposed trail segments. At approximately 1.4 miles, the segments would provide the missing links between trails that will connect the Frontage Road side of town with other parts of Bozeman” Lisa Trankley, BWAGS (Bozeman Women’s Athletic Groups) & Frontage Rd. Neighbor FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 8. Supporting documents, maps, and pictures. GUIDING DOCUMENTS 2009 Bozeman Community Plan. The proposal meets with Goal LU-2: The new Nelson Meadows industrial subdivision anchors the active transportation pathway on the west end.   •Goal C-2: Community Circulation – “Create a circulation system both vehicular and pedestrian that is fully connected, integrated, and designed for ease of use.”  •Objective C-2.3: “Investigate the expansion of shared use pathways within the City.” •Chapter 10, Parks Recreation and Open Trails – Objective 10.1  “It’s imperative that the City cooperate and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies, and Gallatin County, to provide a seamless network of recreational lands and trails. Many of the parks, open spaces and trails currently being developed in the county will someday become a part of the City. Bozeman area residents increasingly expect and demand trails that connect them to nearby communities such as Belgrade and Four Corners.” •Objective R-1.5: “Connect the community using trails.” Bozeman Area 2017 Master Transportation Plan. The TMP plan provides for making safe and functional bicycle and pedestrian travel options to support the community. It speciﬁcally recommends a separated multiuser pathway for 5 miles along Frontage Road from 7th street to Coulee Drive – $3 million dollars (page 105). In the illustration below, the path is shown connecting to a future north-south route along a creek to the Valley Center Spur. Now that the sewage lift station is in place, development will rapidly expand along this creek corridor. 12 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION PROST Plan – This pathway is included in the PROST plan – see below. 13 “Yes! This is needed. It would allow direct access to the trails at Cherry River which lead to the Glen Lake Rotary Park and ultimately the M.” Emily Kelly, Baxter Meadows FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 14 SEGMENT 1 - MDT TO MOSS BRIDGE ROAD (2,500 LF) Item No. Quantity Unit Description Unit Price Subtotal 101 1 LS Mobilization and Insurance $17,840.00 = $17,840.00 102 1 LS Stormwater Management and Erosion Control $6,862.00 = $6,862.00 103 1 LS Traffic Control During Construction $5,000.00 =$5,000.00 104 650 CY Strip, Stockpile and Replace or Dispose of Topsoil $16.00 = $10,400.00 105 470 CY Unclassified Excavation $20.00 = $9,400.00 106 3,340 SY Geotextile Fabric $6.00 =$20,040.00 107 740 CY 1 1/2-inch Minus Base Course Gravel $40.00 =$29,600.00 108 2,800 SY 3-inch Thick Asphalt Paving $15.00 = $42,000.00 109 60 SF 6-inch Thick Fiber Reinforced Concrete Pad $10.00 =$600.00 110 20 SF Truncated Dome Panel $50.00 = $1,000.00 111 2,500 LF New Fence $5.00 = $12,500.00 112 1 LS Re-seed Disturbed Areas $5,000.00 = $5,000.00 113 2 EA New Sign on New Post $500.00 = $1,000.00 114 1 EA Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon System $25,000.00 = $25,000.00 115 1 LS Miscellaneous Work $10,000.00 = $10,000.00 TOTAL FOR SEGMENT 1 - MDT TO MOSS BRIDGE ROAD =$196,242.00 CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCY (20%)=$39,248.00 DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (18%)=$35,324.00 SUBTOTAL WITH CONTINGENCY =$270,814.00 SEGMENT 2 - REEVES ROAD TO CHERRY RIVER (3,000 LF) Item No.Quantity Unit Description Unit Price Subtotal 201 1 LS Mobilization and Insurance $16,804.00 = $16,804.00 202 1 LS Stormwater Management and Erosion Control $6,463.00 = $6,463.00 203 1 LS Traffic Control During Construction $5,000.00 =$5,000.00 204 30 LF Extend Existing Culvert $80.00 = $2,400.00 205 780 CY Strip, Stockpile and Replace or Dispose of Topsoil $16.00 = $12,480.00 206 560 CY Unclassified Excavation $20.00 = $11,200.00 207 4,000 SY Geotextile Fabric $6.00 = $24,000.00 208 890 CY 1 1/2-inch Minus Base Course Gravel $40.00 = $35,600.00 209 3,340 SY 3-inch Thick Asphalt Paving $15.00 = $50,100.00 210 180 SF 6-inch Thick Fiber Reinforced Concrete Pad $10.00 = $1,800.00 211 60 SF Truncated Dome Panel $50.00 = $3,000.00 212 1 LS Re-seed Disturbed Areas $5,000.00 = $5,000.00 213 2 EA New Sign on New Post $500.00 = $1,000.00 214 1 LS Miscellaneous Work $10,000.00 = $10,000.00 TOTAL FOR SEGMENT 2 - REEVES ROAD TO CHERRY RIVER =$184,847.00 CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCY (20%)=$36,969.00 DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (18%)=$33,272.00 POSSIBLE RIGHT-OF-WAY EXPENSE =$100,000.00 SUBTOTAL WITH CONTINGENCY =$355,088.00 PROJECT TOTAL WITH CONTINGENCY =$625,902.00 Notes: Quantity Estimates Based on Concept Design Mobilization and Insurance, Stormwater Management and Erosion Control are Based on Percentage of Total Cost (10% and 4%, respectively) Costs associated with acquiring new right-of-way are not included in this estimate. Costs associated with relocation of private utility lines, pedestals, overhead power lines and poles are not included in this estimate. All Items are Complete and in Place. September 13, 2019 Engineer's Opinion of Probable Cost for Frontage Road Pathway Page 1 of 1 Budget FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 15 Type to enter text FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Left: Satellite image of Segment One (west) shown in yellow on City property. Nelson Meadows and MDT pathway shown in blue; Moss Bridge Road in orange Right: Satellite image of Segment Two (east) shown in yellow. Campbell and Reeves Road shown in orange. Cherry River access site(s) and other Main Street to the Mountains trails in pink will be connected when the segment is built. 16 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Above: Map showing location of State and local governmental sites that will all be connected by proposed Frontage Pathway; [A] = Western Cherry River Fishing Access Site near East Gallatin River; [B] = Eastern Cherry River Fishing Access Site near North 7th Avenue; and [C] Glen Lake Rotary Park (formerly East Gallatin Pond). Image from City of Bozeman website. Above: Map indicating locations of rapid growth and economic activity in the Bozeman area. Considerable growth is clearly taking place near the proposed Frontage Pathway. Image taken from Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development.  17 A B C FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION PHOTOS Frontage Road is dangerous for cyclists.   Above, vehicles are forced to swerve to avoid cyclist approaching Cherry River Fishing Access Site from the west.   Center, cross memorializing cyclist Kevin O’Brian, killed in 2014 on Segment Two (east).   Below, cyclist nervously looks at swerving truck near west segment adjacent to City property. 18 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Above: Aerial photo image looking northward, showing location of Segment One (west) on City of Bozeman property, between MDT parcel and Moss Bridge Road.   Above: Cyclist headed west at SE corner of City of Bozeman property. Western terminus of Moss Bridge Road visible at left of image; solar panels visible (dark horizontal band at horizon line) on far right of image. Left: Looking northward; existing gravel road in front of solar panel array may save signiﬁcant funds. 19 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Left: Looking eastward along Moss Bridge Road which is closed to through trafﬁc. Below: Passers-by pause to look at Catron Creek where open space and signage will educate visitors about clean solar energy, water usage and wastewater treatment. Right: Catron Creek will beneﬁt from removal of noxious weeds (Hoary Alyssum) from clean-up and natural landscaping. 20 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION Above: The crossing from Moss Bridge Road across Springhill to Campbell Road will have a Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFB) for safety of cyclists and pedestrians. People will be able to travel safely all the way to the “M”, visible in the far distance of this photo. Left: Looking eastward on Campbell Road from Springhill. Sidewalk may be extended for pedestrians at a future date. 21 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION ECONOMIC GROWTH 22 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION SUPPORTING   DOCUMENTS CAMPBELL/REEVES ROAD - PRIVATE ROADS DESIGNATED FOR PUBLIC US Above: Document establishing Campbell/Reeves Road “hereby granted and donated to the use of the public forever." 23 FRONTAGE PATHWAY TOP APPLICATION 24 Blank