The Highway 3 Corridor Planning Study will provide an access plan for the Highway 3 corridor in Billings and Yellowstone County, specifically between the N. 27th Street intersection and the Apache Trail intersection that accesses the Indian Cliffs Subdivision (approximately 5 miles).  The study will include bike/pedestrian amenities along the rim top, a parking plan and a detailed corridor storm water management plan. This study will address current vehicle and non-motorized traffic circulation and access along the corridor and plan for future changes to the corridor from traffic patterns and development activity. Drafting of the study will include community and stakeholder input. This project is identified in the FY14 Billings Urban Area Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).  The UPWP is developed each year and identifies tasks to be completed through the use of Federal Planning dollars allocated to the Metropolitan Planning Organization.  This Planning Study will require a Scope of Work and Documentation package to be completed within 10 months of contract signing.

Through a competitive selection process conducted in February, 2014, Sanderson Stewart was chosen as the consultant to complete the study.   The negotiated fee will not exceed $68,000.   Staff is requesting that the Council approve this agreement  with Sanderson Stewart and a draft contract is attached for Council review.

The City Council may:

- Approve the agreement as proposed
- Not approve the agreement
- Direct staff to negotiate specific changes with Sanderson Stewart and return a revised agreement

The estimated cost of this study is $68,000.00.  The costs are detailed in Exhibit B of the consultant agreement.  The source of funding is through the Billings Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Federal PL (planning) funds administered by the City-County Planning Division.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Consultant Agreement with Sanderson Stewart to conduct the Highway 3 Corridor Planning Study.