The Planning Division received seven proposals for FY2010 Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) dollars. The projects included the 25th Street Pedestrian Bridge, Broadwater Avenue Trail Connection, Metra Park Sidewalk, Central Avenue Sidewalk, City-Wide ADA Ramps, Rimrock Road Sidewalks, and Northern Hotel Sidewalk Improvements. Please find in Attachment A a quick reference sheet listing the FY2010 projects in some detail with the associated costs. Attachment B consists of the Technical Advisory Committee’s (TAC) recommendations on prioritizing the seven projects with CTEP funding allocations.

The Yellowstone County Board of Planning at its meeting on September 13, 2010, conducted a public hearing and voted to forward the same CTEP project recommendations made by the TAC to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The City Council discussed these project proposals at its October 4, 2010, Work Session, and is formally making a recommendation to PCC at this meeting. The PCC has final say on all transportation-related projects in the urban area and will meet on October 19 to finalize the CTEP project approvals and funding.

There are local funding sources for the proposed CTEP projects to provide the required CTEP match. Sources like the City's GO Bond is one source that directly affects the City. Other sources from grants or other entities do not directly affect City funds. All of the funding sources for these projects are outlined in Attachment A.

Each CTEP project must follow an established approval procedure before funding is allocated. The first step of the process is the submission of project applications. All the applications are reviewed and prioritized through a previously approved process that includes TAC, the Yellowstone County Board of Planning, City Council, and Board of County Commissioners. The applications for this CTEP funding cycle are consistent with previous CTEP project agreements accepted and executed by Council.

The Planning Board conducted a public hearing at its regular meeting on September 14, 2010.  No public comment was provided.

The proposed projects are supported through the current Heritage Trail Plan or City of Billings and Yellowstone County Growth Policy. In some cases, the projects are specifically identified in planning documents; and in other cases, the overall goals of safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle travel are met with these projects. All the projects will proceed through the established CTEP project approval process for the City of Billings and Yellowstone County.