The Billings Industrial Revitalization District, Inc. (BIRD) Board of Directors is requesting approval of up to $40,000.00 in tax increment assistance from the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD) for a feasibility study on a pedestrian crossing of Exposition Drive from the EBURD to Metrapark. This project is consistent with the East Billings Urban Renewal District Master Plan and will begin to unlock the development potential of the EBURD as recommended in the Billings Exposition Gateway Concept Plan. The study will look at the location and also the pros/cons and costs associated with the alternatives of going under or over Exposition Blvd. The use of TIF Funding was recommended for approval by the BIRD Board of Directors on March 8, 2016 in the amount of up to $40,000.00.

↵City Council may:

• Approve the recommendation from the BIRD on the expenditure of these funds or
• Disapprove the recommendation from the BIRD on the expenditure of these funds.

The amount of the request is for a total of up to $40,000 to be paid in one payment to the firm selected by RFP.  There are sufficient funds budgeted in FY16-17 for this project.

The BIRD Inc. Board of Directors recommends that the City Council approve up to $40,000 from the East Billings Urban Renewal District tax increment district funds for an Exposition Drive pedestrian crossing feasibility study.