HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-24 Correspondence - MT Dept of Transportation - MDT Project Kagy Blvd - S 19th to WillsonFrom:Ahlrich, Sam
To:Agenda
Cc:Tessa Wermers; Renenger, Joey
Subject:[EXTERNAL]MDT Project Kagy Blvd - S 19th to Willson
Date:Tuesday, January 9, 2024 2:01:41 PM
Attachments:8931000_Act178-RFI_COB.docxsafe_print_8931000_Figure2_Typical Sections.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good afternoon,
I am the Butte District Environmental Project Development Engineer with Montana Department of
Transportation. MDT is working on a project that involves the widening of Kagy Boulevard from the
intersection with South 19th Ave to the intersection with Willson Ave and are seeking the City
Commissioners’ input regarding potential impacts to the natural and human environment. Please
see the attached letter and supporting documentation for more details.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Sam Ahlrich, PE
Butte Project Development Engineer | Environmental Services Bureau
Montana Department of Transportation
2701 Prospect Ave
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-7693 | sahlrich@mt.gov
January 9, 2024 City Commissioners
City of Bozeman
P.O. Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59771 SUBJECT: Kagy Blvd – S 19th to Willson
Bozeman, Montana Project STPU 1212(7) UPN 8931000 Dear City Commissioners:
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is moving forward with proposed improvements for Kagy Boulevard from South 19th Avenue to Willson Avenue in Bozeman, MT (Figure 1). The proposed project was recommended to the Montana Department of Transportation by the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC) as the next urban project
priority. This project has been nominated to widen Kagy Boulevard from the intersection with
South 19th Avenue to the intersection of Willson Avenue (see proposed Typical Sections in Figure 2) with improved intersections. This includes two travel lanes in each direction, new curb and gutter, boulevard, and a multi-use path on both sides of the roadway, lighting, landscaping, pedestrian crossing facilities via grade separation and/or at-grade solutions and raised median/turn
lanes. Intersection improvements include two multi-lane roundabouts: one at the South 11th Street
intersection and another at the South 7th Street intersection, and signal improvements at the Willson Avenue / South 3rd intersection. A pedestrian tunnel is proposed at South 11th Avenue and a grade-separated pedestrian crossing is being evaluated near the Gallagator Trail east of Greek Way.
Previous and Ongoing Public Outreach The proposed project has been determined to have substantial public impact, triggering MDT requirements for a high level of public outreach and opportunities for public input.
There have been considerable previous public and stakeholder involvement in the project since it was initially considered in 2015. Examples of this outreach include:
• News releases have been disseminated.
• Development of project website: https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/kagyblvd/
• Project presentations at City Commission Meetings.
• Numerous meetings were conducted with a comprehensive stakeholder group including
City of Bozeman, Montana State University, Museum of the Rockies, Bicycle Pedestrian
Board and other groups.
• Two public open houses held April 21, 2016 and May 25, 2023.
The project has been delayed to evaluate design alternatives, conduct public and stakeholder involvement efforts, and due to lack of available funding. With preliminary project work moving forward again, many public involvement opportunities, led by Big Sky Public Relations, will continue.
NEPA-Specific Agency Outreach Outside of these multiple opportunities for public input, it is required by National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, that we specifically seek and document your input on
the project for NEPA considerations. It is anticipated that NEPA compliance will be documented
with a Categorical Exclusion document. Please provide any input you have for this project concerning potential impacts to the natural and human environment, including any pertinent issues, comments, concerns, or information you would like to be considered in the NEPA analysis.
This letter serves as a NEPA request to offer input to the proposed project. We anticipate that you
will have particular input concerning traffic, planning, historical impacts, drainage projects and cumulative impacts. Your response to this request will be included in the environmental documentation for this project. A response on these matters may result, if necessary, in further coordination to avoid or minimize potential project impacts.
If no response is received within thirty (30) calendar days, MDT will assume there are no NEPA-related concerns about this proposed project. Please contact me at (406) 444-7693 or sahlrich@mt.gov if you have any questions about this request. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely, Sam Ahlrich MDT District Project Development Engineer
Enclosures:
Figure 1. Project Site Location Figure 2. Recommended Typical Sections
cc: Joey Renenger, MDT Consultant Design Project Manager Sam Ahlrich, MDT District Project Development Engineer Tessa Wermers, Sanderson Stewart Project Manager File