April 20th Transportation Commission Audio Recording

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. 

This email includes a correction to the MDT email from Feb 16th. You can find a copy of that one HERE

---------- 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

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).