Kalispell council rejects $25 million federal grant application to redesign Main Street

The Kalispell City Council voted 5–4 on June 2 to decline a resolution that would have authorized staff to apply for a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) implementation grant to reconfigure Main Street in downtown Kalispell.

The vote followed a multi-hour staff presentation, questions from council members and more than a dozen public comments both supporting and opposing the project. Councilor Hunter moved the resolution; Councilor Gabriel seconded. The final roll call was Carlson, Gabriel, Dahlmann and Hunter in favor; Graham, Dowd, Fisher, Nunnally and Mayor Johnson opposed.

City staff and consultants framed the proposal as the next step of a planning process that began with the city’s downtown plan and a federally funded Safe Streets planning grant. Jared Nygren, director of development services, told the council the grant application would have funded implementation work for a concept that would convert the existing four‑lane section of U.S. 93/Main Street through downtown to a three‑lane configuration (one travel lane each direction plus a center turn lane) with pedestrian and intersection safety treatments. Nygren summarized staff findings, saying Main Street accounted for a “significant share” of serious crashes in the planning area and that roadway reconfiguration and other treatments included in the concept tend to reduce crash risk. He told council, “This is federally designated monies specifically for safety projects, for projects similar to this.”

Why it mattered

The proposal was presented as a safety and downtown‑revitalization measure. Staff cited 258 crashes on Main Street, including eight serious‑injury crashes, during a five‑year period used in the safety analysis. Design proponents argued a three‑lane configuration with improved crossings, medians and smaller lane widths would reduce vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian crossings near schools and increase access to downtown businesses by providing left‑turn capacity.

Opponents and some council members said the timing was wrong. Concerns included the potential overlap with the south half of the Kalispell bypass (a separate grant application decision expected in June), construction impacts on downtown businesses, snow‑plowing and maintenance logistics, effects on parades and special events, delivery access for freight and local businesses, and lingering uncertainty about who would pay required local matching funds. Several public commenters and council members also argued the city should prioritize fixing aging building foundations, utilities and sidewalks before pursuing a large streetscape reconstruction.

What staff said

Nygren and Public Works staff described other parts of the proposal: lane widths would remain near existing widths (about 12 feet); the design incorporates rapid flashing beacons, median refuge islands and a center turn lane; and the application included a concept‑level cost estimate. He said the city’s urban renewal tax‑increment financing district was an identified source for the local match and that federal SS4A funds are restricted to safety projects; they “would not be able to be utilized for anything other than safety projects with an approved safety action plan,” Nygren said.

Council debate and public comment

Council discussion reflected a split between members persuaded by the safety data and those prioritizing timing and business impacts. Councilor Hunter, speaking in favor, cited comparative studies and said, “Studies show that road diets reduce crashes by 20 to 47%.” He and other supporters said narrower, calmer streets encourage pedestrian activity that benefits downtown commerce.

Several council members who voted no said they had heard sustained opposition from constituents, worried about construction disruption and the risk of implementing a large change before the bypass is completed. Councilor Dowd summarized his outreach and said public opinion in his ward leaned against pursuing the grant now: “Therefore, I will not be supporting seeking this grant, and my vote will reflect that.”

Public commenters were deeply divided. Supporters included downtown residents and business owners who said the changes would make Main Street safer and more welcoming; Jaden Wepel urged council to approve the application, saying the plan and studies supported the safety case: “I ask that council please vote in favor of the resolution 6255 to allow staff to apply for this grant.” Opponents raised concerns about sidewalks, parade routes and the ability of delivery trucks and emergency vehicles to operate under a new layout. Longtime resident Suzanne Wigginton urged caution and said, “I am here to ask you to not force Kalispell into an irreversible arranged marriage with a plan that may have been right 8 years ago but isn't now.” Business owners stressed potential short‑term revenue losses during construction.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 6255 — “Resolution approving submission of application to the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grant Program for concept designs on Kalispell Main Street” (moved by Councilor Hunter; seconded by Councilor Gabriel). Roll call: Carlson (aye), Gabriel (aye), Dahlmann (aye), Hunter (aye); Graham (no), Dowd (no), Fisher (no), Nunnally (no), Mayor Johnson (no). Tally: 4 ayes, 5 noes — outcome: failed.

- Consent agenda (approved earlier in the meeting): minutes for May 5–7; award professional consultant for a stormwater decant facility project to Robert Pesher & Associates (as listed on the agenda); award equipment procurement contract for wastewater treatment plant dewatering improvements to Process Wastewater Technologies LLC in the amount of $839,000; approve amendment to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks grant agreement adding $126,362.20 for aquatic facility improvements. Outcome: approved (motion to approve consent agenda carried at the meeting).

- Resolution 6256 — Resolution of intent to hold a public hearing on police and fire impact fees (sets public hearing for June 16). Moved by Councilor Gabriel; seconded by Councilor Fisher. Roll call recorded all ayes — outcome: approved.

- Appointment to the Parking Advisory Board — Mayor’s appointment of Cody Hunter (motion moved by Councilor Dowd). Outcome: approved (voice vote recorded as aye).

What happens next

Because the council did not approve the resolution to authorize the SS4A implementation grant application, staff did not proceed with the implementation grant submittal at this meeting. The Main Street concept and the adopted safety action plan remain on file; staff and supporters said the design work and studies will remain available for future consideration. Council did approve a June 16 public hearing on proposed police and fire impact fees and completed the smaller consent and appointment items on the agenda.

The debate highlighted unresolved local issues that could reappear in future meetings: how to fund required local matches, whether and when the bypass will sufficiently divert through traffic, construction mitigation for downtown businesses, snow‑removal and emergency vehicle access, and how to sequence street reconstruction with utility and building repairs.