07. Resolution 4873 - Support for US Highway 93 Truck BypassREPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chris Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution of Support for the US-93 Truck By -Pass
MEETING DATE: April 5, 2004
BACKGROUND: During our March 18'meeting with the Department of Transportation the
City was asked to adopt a Resolution expressing our continued support for the US-93 Truck By -
Pass. Knowing that the project has been strongly supported by the City and Chamber i voiced
my certainty in providing thorn with an updated resolution of support. The most recent
resolution, receiving unanimous support for the project was passed. on Resolution 4665 in
October, 2001
In addition to the normal support language for the project, this resolution supports the
idea of allowing a limited access point to be created between Three Mile and Four Mile Drives.
The purpose for this is at least two fold. First, this entrance is not identified within the EIS
(Environmental Impact Statement) and would be reviewed along with the changes that have been
made to the project since the completion ofthe EIS. The changes are to the south' and north
extremes of'the project. (The south entrance paint to the by�-pass has been moved slightly north
just south of Gardner Auction and the north exit point of the by-pass has been relocated .from
Stillwater Road and Reserve Drive to running along the utility easement that bisects Section 36).
Second, this area has seen the approval of over 1,000 residential lots over the past twelve months
and it is perceived that a right -in, right -out entrance to the by-pass Between Three Mile and Four
Mile would greatly assist in moving vehicle traffic within both this newly created neighborhood
as well as Northridge. Without the analysis, it is only speculation and cannot be considered.
Over the past Three years the community; through its national delegation, has secured
approx. $6,5 million for this. project. Today, the DOT holds title to approx. lf33 of the needed
right-of-way to build the by-pass and the money is in hand to complete the right-of-way
acquisitions and. design phase of the project. Representative Rehburg has included another $22
million over the next six years for the project within the $275 billion highway bill that is
currently making its way through congress. This project will become a reality within the next
RECOMMENDATION. The City Council approves Resolution 4873 to express its continued
support for the US-937 Truck By -Pass construction nroleet.
Respectfully submitted,
Claris A. Rukulski, City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 4873
A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE SUPPORT OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY 93 TRANSPORTATION BYPASS AROUND
THE CITY OF KALISPELL AS OUTLINED IN THE OCTOBER 1993 KALISPELL
BYPASS FEASIBILITY STUDY.
WHEREAS, residential development continues to grow in the outlying areas of Kalispell with an
increasing distance between locations of residences and the locations of jobs and
commerce, resulting in increasing travel time and distance; and
WHEREAS, overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 20 years;
and
WHEREAS, Idaho Street and Main Street traffic volumes exceed 21,000 vehicles per day,
resulting in congested traffic conditions throughout the day; and
WHEREAS, traffic increases are projected to continue on parallel streets to US 93 as traffic
diverts to avoid the Main/Idaho intersection, impacting Kalispell neighborhoods and
businesses. Increasing traffic congestion on Main Street through the downtown area
will continue to impede business activity, essential business travel and personal travel
both by automobile and for pedestrians and bicyclists; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Council to promote the safe and efficient passage of motor vehicle
traffic through the City of Kalispell as well as to maintain a viable and vibrant
business and commercial district along Main Street in downtown Kalispell, the
soundness of which is disadvantaged by the bisection of the district by four lanes of
congested traffic; and
WHEREAS, in October 1993 the City of Kalispell conducted a Bypass Feasibility Study in which
it recommended utilizing the railroad corridor from US 93 south to US 2, north of US
2 crossing through the Two Mile and Three Mile Drives area to Stillwater Road, then
north along Stillwater Road to either Reserve Drive or a potential new alignment
along the power transmission lines to US 93; and
WHEREAS, as such bypass would run north and south between Three Mile Drive and Four Mile
Drive and that in this particular area of Kalispell over 1,000 residential lots have been
approved for development over the past twelve months, a limited access point, right-
in/right-out entrance in this area should be studied and reviewed; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Kalispell considers it advisable that they make a
formal declaration of support for the construction of a transportation bypass as
recommended in its 1993 Feasibility Study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of the City of Kalispell hereby declares its support for
the development and construction of the Highway 93 Bypass around
downtown Kalispell as recommended by the October 1993 Feasibility Study
and emphatically calls for the commencement and progression of this project.
SECTION IL The City Manager is authorized and directed to communicate this resolution
to the Montana Department of Transportation, the County of Flathead and to
the various representatives in the Montana State Legislature.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF KALISPELL, THIS 5TH DAY OF APRIL, 2004.
Pamela B. Kennedy
Mayor
Attest:
Theresa White
City Cleric