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Columbia Falls accepts $70,000 Montana FWP grant for accessible River’s Edge fishing pier
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to sign a memorandum of understanding with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to accept a $70,000 William C. Camp Fund grant that will match city funds for an accessible fishing pier at River’s Edge pond; staff will go to bid and discuss potential added access improvements at the Parks & Rec committee.
Columbia Falls city council voted to accept a $70,000 grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to help fund an accessible fishing pier at the River’s Edge pond.
City Manager Eric told council the original pond construction included an intent to add accessibility features; the city requested the project in its FY26 Parks & Recreation priorities and FWP secured a $70,000 matching award from the William C. Camp Fund. Staff estimated total construction costs for the pier, steps and ADA slabs at about $140,000; the city had previously budgeted $100,000 so the grant will cover a significant portion of the planned work. Council authorized the city manager to sign the memorandum of understanding to accept the grant and proceed to bid the construction in early next year with work planned for spring before water level changes.
Public questions at the meeting asked whether added asphalt access or broader maintenance would be included. City staff said the MOU covers the pier, slabs and ADA fishing stands; additional paving/access work was not part of the FWP award and will be evaluated by staff and discussed at a Parks & Recreation Committee meeting on Dec. 8. City staff recommended maintenance be provided from the general fund rather than the resort tax unless otherwise targeted.
The council approved the grant acceptance by roll call vote and directed staff to finalize the MOU and prepare the project to go out to bid.
