The City of Billings is seeking Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant funding for the installation of 71 wayfinding signs along trails located in City-owned parkland. Currently, there is very little signage on the trail system to help pedestrians, runners, bikers, and people traveling by any non-motorized mode find their way. Lack of signage on trails has also been an issue for emergency services. Within the past year, there have been several accidents on the trails where 911 callers did not know how to describe their location to dispatch, resulting in delays in receiving help.

The wayfinding signage will help residents and visitors better navigate the existing trail system connecting Coulson Park to Swords Park and the Kiwanis Trail. The Billings Chamber of Commerce often sends visitors to these trails so there is likely a high percentage of people using these trail corridors who are not familiar with the area. In addition, this area can be confusing even for residents as there are several trails that diverge and roadways are not always visible from the trail to help orient users. A map of specific locations for the signage is attached. Signage will be designed according to the Billings Wayfinding Signage Plan which is proposed to be considered and adopted by the Billings City Council in February 2020 (See draft plan attached).

The RTP grant is designated for the development of recreational trails and facilities to serve those trails. Grants are available for up to $69,999 in the Standard Grant category. The RTP grant provides reimbursement after monies have been expended for construction and requires a 20% minimum local match. This application requests up to $25,680. The match, which is valued at approximately $6,420 of in-kind donation will be provided by the City of Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department. The match will be the result of PRPL staff installing the signs. PRPL will use staff that are already employed by the City and equipment that the department already owns. As a result, there will not be any additional expenditures by the Department to provide this match aside from staff time. PRPL staff will also assume the responsibility for maintenance for the signs which is expected to be minimal. 

City Council may:

• Approve the submittal of a Recreational Trails Program Grant for trail wayfinding signage, or;
• Disapprove the submittal of a Recreational Trails Program Grant for trail wayfinding signage. 

           There is no disadvantage to the City in submitting this grant application. If the grant is not awarded, staff will continue to look for other options for funding wayfinding signage.   

This Recreational Trails Program grant application is being written to provide funding for the installation of 71 wayfinding signs along the trail system. This project is estimated to have a base cost of $32,100. The application will request up to $25,680. The grant provides reimbursement after monies have been expended for development and requires a minimum 20% match. The match, which is valued at approximately $6,420 of in-kind donation, will be provided by the City of Billings Parks Recreation, and Public Lands Department. PRPL will provide the match by installing the signs with staff already employed and equipment already owned by the Department.  As a result, there will not be any additional expenditures by PRPL to provide this match aside from staff time. PRPL staff will also assume the responsibility for maintenance for the signs, which is expected to be minimal.

Staff recommends the City Council approve submitting a Recreational Trails Program grant to provide funding for trail wayfinding signage and authorize the Planning Division to submit the grant application due January 31, 2020.