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Rocky Fork Inn brownfield cleanup reviewed; FEMA rules and federal grants limit future uses
Summary
State Brownfields coordinators and city planners told Red Lodge residents the Rocky Fork Inn property was assessed, abated and demolished with FEMA and state matching funds; federal floodplain restrictions (and required elevation rules) will largely limit the site to open-space and low-impact recreational uses unless FEMA approves exceptions.
State Brownfields coordinators and city planning consultants on Tuesday outlined the cleanup and funding history for the Rocky Fork Inn site and detailed how federal disaster and mitigation rules will shape future reuse. Jason Seiler, a Montana Brownfields coordinator, said Brownfields assessments provided the documentation that allowed the city to qualify for demolition and hazard-mitigation work.
"We do the whole investigation, and in the end, you kinda get a bill of health for that property so you can make an important decision on whether or not you should move forward in developing this property," Seiler said, describing the assessment process that looked for asbestos, petroleum and other hazards. Seiler said the Rocky Fork Inn site received environmental assessments and abatement prior to demolition.
Presenters said acquisition and cleanup funding combined FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds (roughly 75% federal) and a 25% local match that, in this instance, was paid by Montana's state resiliency funds—resulting in coverage of acquisition, demolition and abatement costs. The Brownfields assistance helped the city complete assessments that enabled the FEMA-funded demolition.
City-contracted engineers are finishing a bank-stabilization design to meet FEMA requirements; presenters said stabilization work is planned for the next low-water window (fall or spring) and is intended to protect downstream properties. Presenters clarified that bank-stabilization work is required and will proceed independently of final recreational design: future site uses should be designed to fit the stabilization measures and will require FEMA review and floodplain permitting.
On allowable uses, presenters said federal restrictions tied to FEMA-funded buyouts limit new permanent structures. "There are restrictions that are perpetual on that property," a presenter said, summarizing FEMA rules: parks, open space and wetlands restoration are permitted; minimal infrastructure—trails, picnic shelters without sides and, in limited cases, restrooms—may be possible if elevated to meet FEMA base-flood-elevation requirements. Any electrical equipment must be located at least three feet above the designated flood elevation, and public restrooms allowed by exception must meet elevation and permitting standards.
The team also said the city plans to apply to the federal BRIC program for additional acquisitions (the "Eagle's Nest" property). Presenters described BRIC as competitive nationwide and estimated a 50% chance of success while noting the application team is optimistic.
No funding commitments for future park amenities were announced; the consultants said the site will remain open space for now while the city seeks funding and completes stabilization. Organizers asked participants to test design ideas in a table exercise; collected materials and consolidated recommendations will be shared with the URA and posted online when available.
