Missoula — The Missoula City Council on Dec. 15 authorized a $2,470,940 amendment to a professional services agreement with DJ&A to complete final engineering for the Downtown Safety, Access and Mobility (SAM) project, a move councilors said is necessary to meet federal grant timelines and refine project scope.

Supporters framed the vote as a critical step to safeguard $24 million in federal funding. Megan McMeekin, senior project manager in Public Works, told council the amendment will allow the design team "to continue to move forward with design from the 30% level of detail to 100% drawings" and keep the project on the schedule required to obligate Federal Highway Administration construction funds.

Opponents and downtown business owners expressed concern about project scope, stormwater work and the potential loss of on-street parking. Danielle Petrie, a downtown business owner, proposed narrowing the work area to the Hip Strip south of the river to reduce costs and allow immediate safety fixes — "This grant requires the work to be completed by the 2029," she said, urging the council to focus on priority elements such as ADA ramps and signal improvements. Councilor Betsy Jordan said she would vote no because "the focus on stormwater [is] not being cleared," while still expressing general support for the project’s goals.

Council debate focused on managing rising construction costs, value engineering and the trade-offs of scaling back certain elements to remain within federal grant commitments. Councilor Betsy Jones, a project supporter, said the city would be unlikely to deliver a project of this scale without the federal award: "We're never gonna be able to do this without this grant." Councilor Sierra Farmer moved the measure.

The council recorded a roll-call vote after public comment and debate: 7 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstention. Councilor Melson disclosed a professional relationship with DJ&A and recused themself from the vote.

Next steps: staff will advance the 60%–100% design phases, continue coordination with the stormwater utility and return to council and committees with more detailed plans and cost estimates. The council expects additional public engagement in January as the design work proceeds.