July 2010 Archives
WGM Group is a proud sponsor of Living Near Streams: A Continuing Education Course for Missoula County REALTORS
What: A workshop on the ecology of streams, wetlands, and floodplains, including field trips to subdivisions with riparian areas. Topics include: avoiding flood risk, property damage, and water pollution; navigating regulations for riparian areas, water quality, and floodplains; stream-friendly landscaping and livestock maintenance; and resources for restoring and managing streamside property.
When and Where: Friday, September 24, 10am-3pm at the Doubletree Hotel, with field trips to streamside subdivisions in the afternoon
Credits: 4.0 approved by Board of Realty Regulation
Cost: $50.00 (includes field trips and lunch)
Sponsors: Clark Fork Coalition, Geum Environmental Consulting, WGM Group, Missoula County Water Quality District
Registration: Register online or call 406-542-0539, ext. 213
The former Missoula Athletic Club's real estate on the Clark Fork River facing Hellgate Canyon was vacant for years until Rocky Mountain Development Group saw an opportunity to build affordable housing. WGM Group provided site-civil engineering for architectural firm Gavin-Hanks-Encompass, who designed the 115 unit building. Demolition is now near completion and the project was put out to bid for contractors last week. Click here for the Legal Advertisement.
The developers partnered with the City to receive a $5 million Neighborhood Stabilization Grant. The funds, which were from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), were allocated through the Montana Department of Commerce. The nature of the grant makes Silvertip Apartments unique because it will not have restrictions against students and other demographics that, although in need, are typically ineligible for housing assistance.
Missoula leaders working with the Office of Planning and Grants, the Missoula Housing Authority, and the Missoula Organization of Realtors have been searching for answers to the housing dilemma. Home prices are already inflated, making them just out of reach for middle-income families. This, coupled with an expected drastic rise in growth over the next few decades, creates an unprecedented situation. Innovative private-public partnerships like Silvertip Apartments may be one solution.
Click here to learn about the Missoula Housing Summit
Click here for more about Silvertip Apartments
In February 2010, WGM Group received news that a $3.5 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant, which we wrote on behalf of the City of Whitefish, had been awarded. On July 9th WGM Group was selected by the City to design the improvements.
The long awaited project will include signal improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and Baker Avenue in Downtown Whitefish as well as reconstruction of U.S. Highway 93/ 2nd Street between Spokane and Baker Avenues.
WGM Group recognized the need for these enhancements several years ago and we are excited to continue to have a hand in realizing this vision. TIGER funding is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which requires awards to be spent immediately as part of the stimulus effort. Design is scheduled to begin this fall and construction will begin in September 2011.
Visit the Whitefish Public Works Department here
View an article about the TIGER Grant here
Several interested residents attended a second public meeting to learn more about the Downtown Circulation Study in the Lewis Clark Valley, held on June 30th at the Old Lewiston City Hall at 0207. The intent of the meeting was to present information developed to date and preliminary improvement options. Click here for a copy of the presentation.
The Lewis Clark Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (LCVMPO) is preparing a Downtown Circulation Study to address deficiencies and identify improvements in the roadway network serving downtown Clarkston and Lewiston, focusing on US Highway 12 and major connecting streets. The study will provide transportation planning and analysis, short-term and long-term recommendations for improvements, as well as design principles and guidelines for implementation.
Current Projects
Special Report
