~ Building a Greener, Safer Missoula through
Non-motorized Route Improvements ~
On behalf of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, WGM Group, Inc. graciously welcomes all parties interested in learning about the Brooks Street Commercial Corridor Curb and Sidewalk Project, to attend a Public Open House on August 19th, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Opportunity Resources, Inc., 2821 S. Russell Street. This open house will provide an opportunity to review and comment on the preliminary design.
This project is designed to take steps toward a safer, greener Missoula. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency, in conjunction with the City of Missoula, has geared up to increased pedestrian travel by creating a safer, more complete sidewalk network in the Brooks Street Commercial Corridor and the adjacent streets located within the Urban Renewal District (URD) III, also known as Midtown. With a focus on sustainability and quality of life, these improvements are designed to encourage the use of non-motorized routes, reducing Missoula's dependence on single occupancy vehicles. These changes are set to brighten Missoula's future, so to speak, by reducing traffic congestion and its inevitable pollution.
The best is only getting better. Missoula has been recognized as a Bicycle-Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists and was listed as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance.This is credited, in part, to Missoula's well planned and executed bicycle and pedestrian facilities. However great the accomplishments, there is still room for improvement. Many gaps still remain in the sidewalk network, lacking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. Furthermore, many areas in Midtown do not have adequate drainage, lighting, landscaping, and other amenities which are critical to a safe, comfortable living environment.
The Brooks Street Project will address many of these deficiencies, contributing to the goal of a seamless non-motorized system throughout Midtown. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. The project will be funded by URD III Funds, with no assessments to adjacent landowners.
In these tough economic times, the URD III fund is good news. With the support of our local Missoulians, we will soon have a greener, safer place to live. Typically the adjacent landowners have to foot the bill for these types of improvements. However, this fund will cover one hundred percent of this project's expense.
