HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-12.GAP letter to TOP
February 12, 2020
Dear TOP Committee Members,
Given that three months have passed since the TOP committee first reviewed GAP’s Frontage Pathway project, we are writing to briefly re-emphasize what a tremendous opportunity this proposal represents for the entire Bozeman community.
According to the TOP Program Resolution No. 4386, voted on by the citizens in November 2012, TOP monies are intended to be used “for trails in and around the Bridger Mountain foothills.” This Frontage Pathway project matches exactly the original purpose for which the TOP fund was created.
Demand for the Frontage Pathway is urgent and ever intensifying. Bozeman’s growth is occurring most rapidly toward the north and west. This path will provide a critical connector linking neighborhoods on both sides of the interstate. It will allow thousands of children and families to travel and recreate safely all the way from the northeast to the
southwest margins of the valley, and everywhere in between.
GAP’s work in developing this Frontage Pathway aims to accomplish what no-one has been able to for more than thirty years. At last, we are at the cusp of making the pathway a reality. Right now, Bozeman has a golden opportunity that may not come around again
for another thirty years.
Please bear in mind that some level of support from the City of Bozeman is crucial in order to move forward with this project. Please also note that TOP funds are the one and only source of City monies available for this project.
GAP’s preliminary fundraising efforts are on-going; numerous grant funding entities, local businesses and individuals (2,300 and growing) have been identified to assist with this project. GAP stands ready to proceed once City approval is secured.
We are well aware that all the projects you are considering at the present time are highly
worthwhile. Yet we would submit that the urgency for TOP funding is considerably
more acute with the Frontage Pathway. Here is why: 1) It will separate bicyclists and pedestrians from high speed traffic where there is currently no other route;
2) The City of Bozeman has no other available funding source that can be used for this project, even on its own land; 3) This pathway has already been initiated by the City on the Nelson Meadows and
MDT properties;
4) Completion of this project will only become more difficult as development continues in this part of the City
Thank you again for your thoughtful consideration. We are thrilled that you are a part of
making this vision become a reality. Sincerely,
Marilee Brown
Marilee Brown, Chair
GAP - Galla10 Alliance for Pathways 2411 Kid Curry Drive Bozeman, MT 59718 406-579-5447
saferbozeman@gmail.com www.frontagepathway.com