Kalispell City Council votes on MDT annexation and zoning for facility expansion

The Kalispell City Council meeting on May 2, 2025, spotlighted a significant proposal from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) regarding the expansion of its facility at 2905 Highway 93 North. The council discussed three key items: annexation, zoning for public use, and a conditional use permit, all integral to the development of a new 28,400 square foot building that will house equipment storage, mechanics, and welding shops.

Assistant Director of Development Services, PJ Sorensen, presented the proposal, emphasizing its alignment with the city’s growth policy and the need for improved traffic management in the area. The new facility aims to consolidate various MDT functions currently scattered across the city, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining essential services like salt and sand storage for winter maintenance.

The proposed zoning change to P-1 public use is crucial as it supports the city’s urban mixed-use designation for the area. The extension of Quail Lane, a key aspect of the plan, will facilitate better traffic flow by reducing direct access to Highway 93 and connecting Rose Crossing to Eagle Valley Drive. This extension is designed to improve road networks and minimize congestion on major routes.

The council also addressed concerns regarding access restrictions and the need for adequate screening to buffer the facility from neighboring properties. Amendments to the proposal included conditions for maintaining existing fencing and ensuring that any new installations meet zoning standards.

The Planning Commission has already recommended approval of the annexation, zoning, and conditional use permit, subject to nine conditions. The council is expected to vote on these items in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal step in the development of this essential infrastructure project for Kalispell.