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Missoula commissioners adopt resolution of intent for Y Infrastructure Plan, set final action for Jan. 8
Summary
After a daylong public hearing, the Board adopted a resolution of intent to amend the Missoula County Growth Policy with the Y Infrastructure Plan (Phase‑based infrastructure, water/wastewater, transportation recommendations). The board will take final action Jan. 8, 2026.
The Missoula Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 4 to adopt a resolution of intent to amend the county Growth Policy with the Y Infrastructure Plan, a long-range, phased infrastructure strategy for the Y study area near the I‑90/Hwy 93 interchange. Final adoption is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026.
County staff and consultants presented the plan in detail: Andrew Hagemeyer (Missoula County Community and Economic Development Director) explained the plan’s purpose as an implementation step of the 2019 Missoula Area Land Use element. Consultants from WGM and HDR outlined parcel-level development potential, transportation needs, water and wastewater options, and phased implementation and funding strategies.
Key study findings presented to the board included: - Market and land-use projections estimating the Y area could accommodate thousands of homes and substantial industrial development (presenters noted potential for 7–8 million square feet of industrial space and north of 10,000 jobs in some scenarios). - Transportation recommendations emphasizing a three-pronged strategy (network connectivity/gridding, roadway capacity upgrades, and intersection-control evaluation studies) and identifying the I‑90/Hwy 93 interchange and Waldo/Hwy 93 signal as near-term Phase 0 priorities. - Water and wastewater recommendations proposing a county-managed, phased water district, aquifer studies, and phased membrane-bioreactor (MBR) wastewater systems with high treatment levels; staff noted available mitigation water rights catalogued in the plan and recommended additional aquifer study before large-scale buildout.
Public commenters raised concerns about traffic safety near schools, groundwater availability and aquifer declines, and fire/EMS staffing and capacity; presenters acknowledged those concerns and the planning board’s recommendation for an accelerated groundwater study. County staff also noted a late amendment clarifying water-right availability to be incorporated into the plan document.
Chair Strohmeyer moved to adopt a resolution of intent to adopt the Y Infrastructure Plan as an amendment to the Growth Policy (as amended); Commissioner Lautner seconded and the motion passed on the record. Staff emphasized that the resolution of intent starts the formal adoption process and that the board will consider a final resolution on Jan. 8, 2026.
