Ski club urges Libby to seek extension for $250,000 NRDP spoil-pile grant; council agrees to pursue agenda item

Jared Lampton, vice president of the cross-country ski club, told the City Council that the Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) has offered to fully fund removal and disposal of a gravel spoil pile and a proposed parking plan for $250,000, pending the city's formal approval.

"NRDP is prepared to fund the entire project for $250,000, just pending the city's approval," Lampton said during the public-comment period, urging the council to request an extension of the NRDP public-comment deadline, which he said ends July 10.

The club presented a proposal and parking-plan materials and said the NRDP application has been submitted. Lampton asked the council to request an extension and place the matter on a future agenda so city staff and council members can coordinate with the club and NRDP.

Council members discussed next steps during general comments and signaling they would try to extend the deadline and gather more information. One councilor suggested the city should consider being the lead applicant and control the design and application because the spoil pile is city property; another said the matter will be placed on a future agenda so the council can decide whether to change its prior vote to leave the spoil pile untouched.

Why it matters: the offer would cover disposal costs that the city has not budgeted and would transfer responsibility for project design to whoever submits the application. Council action is required to accept the funds or authorize city staff to act on the application.

What happens next: Council members said staff will contact the NRDP representative about an extension and put the issue on a future agenda for a formal decision. If the council decides to proceed, further briefings and a formal vote will be required.