A recording of the April 20th Transportation Commission Meeting
Below is an email that was sent out form Brittany Cotton MDT SIAP Transportation Planner on April 14th. This email was sent to the MDT Lakeside Distribution List. Please email bcotton@mt.govif you didn't get this email and should have, or if you'd like to be added to the MDT Lakeside Email List.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cotton, Brittany <bcotton@mt.gov>
Date: Fri, Apr 14, 2023 at 5:01 PM
Subject: REVIEW REQUEST: UPDATE-Lakeside Email List- Lakeside Alpine Coaster
To: Cotton, Brittany <bcotton@mt.gov>
All,
MDT would like to inform those interested in the Alpine Coaster development off US93 in Lakeside that the proposed system modifications will be presented to the Montana Transportation Commission on April 20, 2023. MDT would like to clarify that this is a regularly scheduled meeting for the Commission to act on several modifications to the highway system across the state, including the Lakeside Alpine Coaster development.
The Alpine Coaster agenda item is solely to determine if the Commission will authorize a left turn lane to be added to the state highway system. The review will not include approval of the shared use approach.
MDT would also like to clarify an error in the February 16, 2023 update email regarding MDT processes. Projects introduced to the Commission do not require final documentation and staff approvals prior to the scheduled meeting. Rather, the Commission’s approval of system modifications is conditioned upon MDT staff reviewing and approving the construction and design plans.
The Commission will accept public comment on the system modifications up until the April 20, 2023 meeting. MDT will continue to accept public comment on the Alpine Coaster development throughout MDTs review process. MDT will require the approach and turn lane be substantially constructed per the accepted construction plans before the development becomes fully operational.
For any additional questions pertaining to the Transportation Commission Meeting contact information can be found on our webpage at Transportation Commission | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) (mt.gov)
As MDT continues to work through the permitting process, we will continue to share periodic email updates. If you would like to opt out of future updates, please respond to this email and type “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line.
Thank you,
Brittany Cotton
SIAP Transportation Planner | Rail, Transit & Planning Division
Montana Department of Transportation
2701 Prospect Ave.
PO Box 201002
Helena, MT 59620-1001
406-444-6126 | bcotton@mt.gov
Follow Us: mdt.mt.gov
April 20th, 2023 at 8:30am
2701 Prospect Ave, Helena MT or via Zoom
Agenda Item #4: Construction Project on State Highway System
Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster - Lakeside Montana
They are proposing a new approach, culvert, and installing a North Bound Left Turn Lane.
Please submit any written comments ASAP. They need plenty of time to read them. Email Comments: lryan@mt.gov
You can attend the April 20, 2023 in person in Helena or participate via Zoom. The meeting will be held at 2701 Prospect Ave in Helena, MT and starts at 8:30am. To request a Zoom link to the meeting, email Commission Secretary, Lori Ryan lryan@mt.gov
Lori Ryan has requested a count of how many plan to attend in person and how many people intend to speak. You can contact the UWSA or her directly to RSVP.
Initially we were told there would be no time limits on Public Comments, but as of 3/27 we have been told that the entire comment period for this agenda item will only be 15 minutes. You can reach out to the Transportation Commission for clarification on Public Comments.
You can read more on our blog post HERE.
Additionally MDT site next to the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster parcel is in the process of being "disposed of" according to MCA 60-4-201. If you are interested in the MDT parcel and/or the Quonset Hut please read the March 31st Update below.
MDT is identifying if the state owned property north of the WLH property is excess land. If it is determined to be excess land then Section 60-4-202, MCA, allows MDT to sell excess property to the highest bidder at public auction. Section 60-4-203, MCA sets forth the procedure for conducting the sale. The parcel is moving through the process, but is not ready for public auction.
Once property is approved for sale, it is listed for sale on MDT’s website at: Property for Sale | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) (mt.gov). You can also request to be added to the list to receive notice if MDT determines the property is ready for sale by contacting MDT Right of Way, Jenna Bousman, 406-444-9272 jbousman@mt.gov.
Public auctions are open to any interested parties and occur throughout the year. They are scheduled based on the completion of all necessary approvals, appraisals, and inspections. MDT processes excess land sales in the order they are received, availability of staff, and other unforeseen factors can change the pace of the process and sale. Some excess land sales can take years to complete and go to auction.
At this time, it is unclear what MDT is choosing to do with the Quonset Hut. MDT may demolish it or sell it to be moved. MDT is looking into the best option for the department.
Thank you for reaching out,
Brittany Cotton
406-444-6126 | bcotton@mt.gov
Megan Redmond is no longer with MDT. Brittany will be taking over comments/questions regarding the Alpine Coaster of US93 in Lakeside.
Brittany Cotton: 406-444-6126 | bcotton@mt.gov
" As MDT continues to work through the permitting process, I will continue to share periodic email updates. If you would like to opt out of future updates, please respond to this email and type “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line.
Currently, MDT is waiting for the applicant to complete its approach application. The application must include the design plan, which includes a left-turn lane, an analysis of turning movements, hydraulic culvert design and full construction plan set of the proposed work. MDT will review the information and present the application to the Montana Transportation Commission (Commission). MDT anticipates the project will be presented to the Commission during its April 20, 2023 meeting. MDT will withdraw the project from the Commission agenda if systems impact review is not complete.
MDT also received a new temporary approach permit application for this location. The applicant is requesting to move the current temporary approach to the North corner of their property. MDT is waiting for the applicant to submit their proposed design criteria, scope of work, geometrics, schedule and temporary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) for MDT review.
If you would like to request any documentation or materials from MDT, please follow the formal Request for Information (RFI) process via the MDT website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/contact/information-request.aspx"
MDT is waiting for the applicant to complete its approach application. The application must include the design plan, which includes a left-turn lane, an analysis of turning movements, hydraulic culvert design and full construction plan set. Once the application is completed, MDT will review the information and present the application to the Montana Transportation Commission (Commission). MDT anticipates the project will be presented to the Commission during its April 20, 2023 meeting. MDT will withdraw the project from the Commission agenda if systems impact review is not complete.
Our Chief Counsel has directed MDT staff not to engage in text message conversations for public involvement. Please email me if you have any additional questions.
Thank you to everyone who has signed our petition. You've helped make a difference.
Two Speed Studies have been requested.
Flathead County Commissioners have also requested a Pedestrian Study for Lakeside.
Read more about this in our blog post dated Sept 30, 2022
Please sign and share our petition to help preserve and protect the safety of Lakeside, Flathead Lake, and the Highway 93 Corridor https://www.change.org/MontanaHighway93Corridor
The UWSA continues to advocate for local residents and highway users with concerns about safety and freedom of movement on Highway 93. As necessary we are also consulting with traffic engineering experts to help us all understand and navigate the needs and rights of all the impacted property owners and highway users.
We feel that all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should feel safe as they enjoy our lovely communities and natural wonders.
The Upper West Shore Alliance is not opposed to the concept of an Alpine Coaster. We do have concerns about its safety and environmental impact on this sensitive section of Highway 93 and Flathead Lake. We are currently acting on the behalf of the local residents of Somers and Lakeside who have reached out to us with questions and concerns. Acting as a liaison on their behalf with DEQ, MDT, and field experts & consultants to make sure their concerns are being adequately addressed.
MDT appreciates hearing from the community regarding any MDT work. Personal experiences and comments regarding Montana's highway systems are welcomed. You may send your questions and comments to Megan Redmond via email at mredmond@mt.gov or call her at 406-396-1978.
Document requests can be made through the Request for Information website, for any an all Montana Highway projects and or approach locations.
Per Megan Redmond, "Once it is determined by MDT to dispose of a property, MDT’s disposition process of the property is outlined in Montana Law (M.C.A 60-4-201). When all approvals to sell the property are obtained, notices of a pending public auction of the property will be sent to interested parties on the list prior to the sale. The Law also states MDT is to place an ad in the local paper for a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks before an auction. An MDT “For Sale” sign will also be placed on the property to give the public the opportunity to contact MDT."
You can let Megan Redmon know if you are interested in the Old Lakeside Maintenance excess land sale (ELS). mredmond@mt.gov She has stated that it may take approximately 6 months after any inspections and appraisals are completed.
We know many are most curious about the proposed changes to Hwy 93 near MM 99 for the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster. We encourage you to reach out to Megan to be added to her distribution list. We will also try to keep current information on our website and blog. As of right now the developers and MDT have agreed upon a shared use approach at the location of 6808 US 93 as the safest approach option. According to Megan Redmon, "A number of factors led to this selection, including fewer conflict points by decreasing the number of approaches in a short distance, and increasing sight distance to the north."
Megan stated that no final approvals have been made as this permit is still being reviewed in the SIAP (Systems Impact Analysis Process).
A huge thank you to the 8 candidates for the Lakeside Community Council.
Steve Kamerick
Denise LaSalle
Tobias Liechti
Rafael Moscatel
Donald Smith
Marty Sunde
Martha Wardle
Hollie Widdekind
This is a 7-person board, with 6 members being elected and the 7th being appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. The Special Election will be held in May. Meet the Candidates coming soon, so check back!
Results are posted online and will be finalized on May 25th and then a 30 day window will apoint for the 7th member. .https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/election