Deadline is July 15 for bike-path proposals

The Flathead County Planning Office is accepting applications for new bike paths or other transportation-related proposals.

The deadline for submittals is July 15. All projects must qualify for funding from the state's Community Transportation Enhancement Program.

The program covers a variety of improvements, including bike paths, rehabilitation of historic transportation buildings or structures, and the control or removal of outdoor advertising.

Peggy Goodrich, program coordinator for the planning office, said she hopes to identify and prioritize two or three projects for funding during the next two years.

Flathead County receives about $245,000 a year through the program, Goodrich said. The money historically has been used for new bike paths.

"It costs about $150,000 per mile to build a bike path, so the money doesn't go a long way," she said.

The program also requires a 13.4 percent local funding match. The match - which could include money, donated right of way or donated materials and labor - must be provided by the group or organization proposing a project.

After the July 15 deadline, the CTEP committee will evaluate applications and make a recommendation to the county commissioners.

The commissioners have the final say about which projects get funded and in what priority. That decision is scheduled for Aug. 9.

For more information about the program, or to download an application form, visit www.mdt.state.mt.us/ctep.

Additional questions can be directed to Goodrich at 751-8200 or pgoodrich@co.flathead.mt.us.