Council backs two sidewalk grant applications aimed at neighborhood-school connections

Belgrade City Council authorized the mayor to sign letters of support for two Transportation Alternatives Program applications seeking federal funds administered by the Montana Department of Transportation to extend sidewalks and ADA-compliant crossings in two neighborhoods.

Project summaries in the staff packet described: (1) Hoffman Street from Main to Cameron, intended to add ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb and gutter where feasible and to connect neighborhood routes to schools and commercial Main Street areas; and (2) Helen Hoffman improvements to connect neighborhoods to the middle school and to expand sidewalk connectivity. Staff emphasized both projects support safe routes to school and complement other nearby projects, including this summer's Cameron Avenue work.

The Transportation Alternatives Program typically funds small-scale pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, with a federal share near 86% and a local share around 13% in this program, staff said. The city is contracting Robert Pesha & Associates to prepare grant applications and cost estimates. If funded, construction would likely be in 2028 or 2029, staff told the council.

Council asked about crosswalks, pedestrian-activated flashers and whether existing sidewalks would be retained or replaced. Staff said design work will determine whether existing sidewalk is preserved or reconstructed, and that crossing improvements (push-button flashing beacons or other warranted crossing treatments) could be included where appropriate.

Staff also said they had coordinated with HRDC on bus-stop improvements near Hoffman and would seek letters of support from community groups and residents. The council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign letters of support for both grant applications (with an edit correcting a school name in the letter).