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| Planning Board | |
| Date: | 03/25/2025 |
| Title: | Request to MDT for Federal Funding Priority - Grand Avenue |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning Board hear a presentation on the request to add Grand Avenue from 41st Street West to 62nd Street West as a Federal funding priority and conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on the proposal. The Planning Board at the April 8 meeting will act on the request and forward a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) scheduled to meet on April 15, 2025.
On March 13th, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended approval for the Grand Avenue project to be prioritized for federal funding. This recommendation is now being forwarded to the governing bodies for consideration.
On March 13th, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended approval for the Grand Avenue project to be prioritized for federal funding. This recommendation is now being forwarded to the governing bodies for consideration.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for coordinating regional transportation planning and allocating federal funds to eligible projects. MPO sponsorship is required for local projects seeking federal funding through programs such as the Surface Transportation Program - Urban (STPU) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. Sponsorship ensures the project meets federal eligibility requirements and allows it to compete for funding.
In March 2023, the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) approved a request to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to add Grand Avenue (from 41st Street West to 62nd Street West) and 62nd Street West (from Grand Avenue to just north of Rimrock Road) to the Urban Highway System. The MDT Highway Commission approved this request in April 2023, making the project eligible for federal funding. The PCC includes the Mayor of Billings, the Chair of the Yellowstone County Commission, the President of the Yellowstone County Planning Board, and the MDT District Administrator.
Currently, portions of Grand Avenue remain a two-lane county road in a growing area, lacking better turning lane options, substantial shoulders, sidewalks and other infrastructure. Increased traffic and the inability to separate left-turning vehicles present safety concerns. The project proposes upgrading Grand Avenue to city arterial standards, including a three-lane roadway, a multi-use path on one side, and a sidewalk on the other, as well as future planning for MET Transit operations. Additional improvements include streetlights, a new traffic signal at 56th Street West, and stormwater infrastructure to manage roadway runoff and local development drainage. The addition of Grand Avenue to the federal funding priority list will allow the City of Billings to reconstruct Grand Avenue to a City standard arterial roadway.
In March 2023, the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) approved a request to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to add Grand Avenue (from 41st Street West to 62nd Street West) and 62nd Street West (from Grand Avenue to just north of Rimrock Road) to the Urban Highway System. The MDT Highway Commission approved this request in April 2023, making the project eligible for federal funding. The PCC includes the Mayor of Billings, the Chair of the Yellowstone County Commission, the President of the Yellowstone County Planning Board, and the MDT District Administrator.
Currently, portions of Grand Avenue remain a two-lane county road in a growing area, lacking better turning lane options, substantial shoulders, sidewalks and other infrastructure. Increased traffic and the inability to separate left-turning vehicles present safety concerns. The project proposes upgrading Grand Avenue to city arterial standards, including a three-lane roadway, a multi-use path on one side, and a sidewalk on the other, as well as future planning for MET Transit operations. Additional improvements include streetlights, a new traffic signal at 56th Street West, and stormwater infrastructure to manage roadway runoff and local development drainage. The addition of Grand Avenue to the federal funding priority list will allow the City of Billings to reconstruct Grand Avenue to a City standard arterial roadway.
STAKEHOLDERS
The MPO’s transportation planning process offers several opportunities for public input. As the MPO representative, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing to gather feedback. Additional opportunities for public comment will be available at meetings of the Billings City Council, the Yellowstone County Commission, and the PCC.
ALTERNATIVES
No action required; presentation and public hearing only.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The Grand Avenue project is eligible for federal funding through Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Program - Urban (STPU) programs. No direct impact on City or County budgets is anticipated, as non-federal projects are already accounted for in other planning documents, such as the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
SUMMARY
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) coordinates regional transportation planning and allocates federal funds to eligible projects, ensuring alignment with long-term transportation goals. In 2023, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) approved the addition of Grand Avenue to the Urban Highway System, enabling federal funding eligibility. The project aims to upgrade Grand Avenue from 41st Street West to 62nd Street West to city arterial standards, including a three-lane roadway, a multi-use path, sidewalks, transit, streetlights, a traffic signal, and stormwater improvements. Public input will be gathered through hearings and meetings. The Planning Board’s approval is crucial to securing federal funds through programs like CMAQ and STPU, as a lack of sponsorship could delay the project due to local funding limitations.