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Helena officials submit two member requests for Custer Avenue corridor design
Summary
City staff told commissioners the city submitted two congressional member requests seeking federal earmark-style funding for the Custer Avenue corridor: roughly $4 million for preliminary design and $15.7 million for a design‑build package. Staff cautioned awards are uncertain and the requests will pass through many steps in Congress.
Helena City staff told the Helena City Commission they submitted two congressional member requests seeking federal funding for improvements on the Custer Avenue corridor.
City staff said one request covers preliminary engineering and design, about $4 million, while the second sought a design‑build award of about $15.7 million. Staff said the separate applications were intended to give congressional offices options for how to prioritize funds for the district.
The staff presentation noted the member‑request program (commonly called earmarks) was new to the state delegation and that Montana’s delegation has not participated in recent years. Staff warned that, historically, projects submitted under similar programs have not always been funded and that awards must still navigate appropriation and continuing‑resolution processes in Congress. “You don’t get what you don’t ask for,” the staff presenter said, urging participation despite uncertainty.
Staff also told commissioners they have engaged congressional offices about Helena’s RAISE grant application; that grant remained “in limbo,” and staff said they had asked the delegation to advocate for movement on the RAISE award while federal litigation and executive actions affect funding flows.
Commissioners asked about the selection process and eligibility. Staff said guidance from congressional offices arrived on a short timetable and that the city prioritized shovel‑ready projects that are consistent with long‑range transportation planning and interjurisdictional interests (the Montana Department of Transportation and Lewis and Clark County). Staff said the corridor has been a long‑standing priority in the LRTP and is expected to remain a top priority as the area moves toward a metropolitan planning organization.
The commission received the update; staff said the requests have been submitted and no award or other binding federal decision had occurred.
Details: the staff presentation identified two submitted member requests for the Custer Avenue corridor: preliminary engineering/design (approx. $4,000,000) and a design‑build request (approx. $15,700,000). Staff cited contact with the offices of Troy Downing and Thomas McDowell and with the senator’s office regarding the RAISE grant.
