HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-15, Pope, Story Mill Trail, Public Comment
Northern Rockies
111 S. Grand Ave.
Suite 203
Bozeman, MT
59715
T: 406.522.7450
F: 406.522.7453
tpl.org
Bozeman City Commission
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
September 25, 2015
RE: TOP Application for Front Street trail connector
Dear Mayor Krauss and Commissioners:
I wish to express The Trust for Public Land’s strong support for the Trails, Open Space and Parks
(TOP) application put forward by Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) to construct a new east/west
trail connector from the Oak Street Path to the Story Mill Spur Trail. This project will utilize a
public street right-of-way to improve trail connectivity on the north side and represents a small but
crucial link in the Main Street to the Mountains trail network.
We urge your support for the allocation of $178,106 in TOP funds to be leveraged by $33,600 in
private and public funds provided by GVLT and the Northeast Urban Renewal Board. This project
embodies the purpose and spirit of the TOP program and for a modest investment will provide
tremendous upside to the Bozeman community including:
improved east-west safe trails and sidewalk routes for pedestrians along busy road
corridors in North Bozeman;
a wide-span pedestrian bridge over Bozeman Creek allowing stream bank restoration and
public access;
a ten foot wide, paved trail segment providing accessibility for all residents;
furthering Bozeman trails, transportation and community planning goals; and
a much-needed trail link to the Story Mill Spur Trail and the Story Mill Community Park.
We urge you to approve the TOP Committee recommendation and take advantage of this
important community collaboration for trails, open space, and parks.
Thank you,
Maddy Pope
Project Manager