Frenchtown residents told the Missoula Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 4 that a proposed Town Pump development at the Frenchtown (Wye) exit is drawing strong local opposition and that county action is needed to protect traffic safety, groundwater and community character.

At the public‑comment portion of the meeting, Sierra Futch said she and thousands of neighbors have gathered petitions and are pursuing zoning and emergency zoning to stop a proposed Town Pump and adjacent casino. Natalie Goliphon, who said she had obtained accident data for the intersection, asked whether the county had access to a traffic study produced for the applicant; county staff said Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) policy prevents sharing draft MDT studies. Jan Ellis and others cited water and agricultural concerns, noting irrigation lines, proximity to Frenchtown schools and risks to the Clark Fork River.

County staff reiterated that the county cannot compel MDT to release draft traffic work products and that petitioning, rezoning or emergency zoning are avenues residents may pursue. Speakers asked the commission to consider independent traffic analysis and to coordinate with local school and fire districts on access and safety planning.

The commissioners did not take formal action on the development at the Dec. 4 meeting; they closed general public comment and invited residents to provide further written input and attend upcoming hearings on related land‑use matters.

The county’s next regular meeting is expected in January; residents were told the public comment period on related items remains open and were urged to submit materials to the commissioners’ office.