Three bike paths to get $600,000 in funding

The Flathead County commissioners allocated more than $600,000 to three competing bike path proposals on Monday.

Following a brief public hearing, the commissioners awarded $346,000 to a mile-long sidewalk project in Evergreen; $216,000 to a two-mile bike path along Willow Glen Drive; and $75,000 for the Kila section of the Great Northern Historical Trail.

The money comes from the state-supported Community Transportation Enhancement Program.

Flathead County receives about $245,000 per year through the program. Combined with previously unallocated funding, it has about $660,000 available to spend on new projects.

The Evergreen sidewalk will run along East Evergreen Drive from Helena Flats Road to U.S. 2, connecting East Evergreen Elementary School and Evergreen Junior High School.

The Willow Glen path will run from Lower Valley Road north to the Montessori School.

The Kila trail will run for about two miles along Kila Road, from U.S. 2 to Smith Lake Road. It's the westernmost section of the Great Northern Historical Trail.

The commissioners decided the Evergreen and Willow Glen projects should have priority for the funding. Consequently, they only had enough money left to pay for about half of the Kila trail; they indicated that the project might receive more money next year.

Barring right-of-way delays or other unforeseen hurdles, construction of these three trails is expected to take place next summer.

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com