HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-25 Public Comment - M. Brown - proposed CIP - Bozeman Transportation BoardFrom:Marilee Brown
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]proposed CIP - Bozeman Transportation Board
Date:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 2:12:05 AM
Attachments:Frontage Path CIP language.png
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.
Dear Transportation Board,
There are several errors in the Frontage Pathway description (screenshot below). We sincerelyhope that you ask the director to make the necessary changes.
Cost:
The "total scheduled project cost" will be far more than $700,000. The initial $500,000 is forDesign and Easement purchase. This funding is necessary before any portion of the pathway onpublic land can take place due to needed Rail right-of-ways. Additional funding in the form ofgrants and donations will be needed for actual construction.
Description of Project:
1) The pathway as described in the TOP application is to connect from Cherry River Fishingaccess to the Valley Center Spur and and the Valley Center Pathway NOT the entire length ofFrontage Road.
2) Is it really such a good idea to anger the County or Belgrade by saying support from them hasnot been identified? They have provided plenty of needed support in the form of laws requiringthat future developments along Frontage Road to the West must build the path. This is similar towhat the City of Bozeman has done for the remaining sections of the path within in the CityLimits between Springhill and Valley Center Spur. (Frontage Road and Railroad land between7th and the Valley Center Spur are well within the City Limits.)
The County has also previously supported TA funding applications and submitted a BUILDdesign application requiring 15% funding that was denied by the Feds due to Rail easement that isnecessary to qualify for construction.
Additionally, the City has discussed the issue with the County for proceeding with the Spurcrossing to the Valley Center Path and each promised half of the funds necessary for the initialphase. The MPO is also planning action. The City also told the County that they would take thelead in contacting the Railroad for easement.
I would say both Belgrade and Gallatin County have been very supportive.
Consequences:
“Further need of prioritization is requested in the next Transportation Master Plan”. We areunaware of this request being made for any other project including the Bike Fill project. PreviousCommittees and Commissions have labeled Frontage Pathway as a high priority. Delays havealready quadrupled the original cost estimates.
I hope that these issues get corrected prior to the presentation to the City Commission.
Warm Regards,Marilee Brown
Marilee Brown, Chair
GAP - Galla10 Alliance for Pathways
2411 Kid Curry Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-579-5447
saferbozeman@gmail.comwww.frontagepathway.com