Grant sought for Lakeside bike path

Another step toward developing the Lakeside-Blacktail trail system was taken by Flathead County commissioners last week.

Commissioners signed off on a $300,000 request to the state for a Community Transportation Enhancement Program grant.

If the application is approved, 1.3 miles of trail, from Lakeside up Blacktail Road, would be developed.

The Lakeside trail is proposed as an 8-foot wide paved and concrete path. It would begin in Lakeside at the intersection of Blacktail Road and U.S. 93 and follow Blacktail Road to Youth With a Mission, where it ends, county planner Alex Hogle said.

A spur off the main trail into the Tarmarack Woods subdivision has been proposed.

An engineer’s estimate for the project is $356,000, Hogle told commissioners. The project has been designed in several sections, he said, so if actual bids exceed the grant, part of the trail wouldn’t be developed.

If approved, the grant would fund 86.58 percent while 13.42 percent — about $46,500 — would come from the Lakeside Community Council and Lakeside trails committee, Hogle said. To qualify for state funds, a local match is required, he said.

The county would have to obtain rights of way for 10 easements, he said. So far, seven of those property owners have provided letters of their intent to provide those easements. State money can’t be used to buy easements, he said, and the goal is to get the easements donated by the owners.

“We have positive correspondence and dialogue,” Hogle said. “The feeling is it will come together.”

Commissioner Pam Holmquist asked if the easements could be in place before the county moves forward on the project.

That would be difficult, Hogle said, because “landowners aren’t going to donate easements for something they don’t know will happen.”

If the state funds the project, Hogle said he would clarify and solidify the easements before the county would accept the state money. Another option would be to build a disconnected trail, essentially stopping at any stretch where an easement couldn’t be obtained, and then picking back up. Or the county could not sign the agreement with the state and not proceed if easements aren’t obtained, he said.

Commissioner Jim Dupont expressed some concern that the project will end up costing more than estimated. Estimates have all been low for trails projects in the county, he said. “If we say $300,000, I want $300,000. If it doubles, you’ll be in big trouble.”

Hogle said he expects to have an answer on the grant within three to six months.

If the application is approved this fall, the likely scenario is that design, environmental and administrative work would occur during the fall and winter with bids being sought in late winter and construction taking place next summer, he said.

Hogle continues planning work for two other pedestrian trails that would be funded through the same program. One is in the Bigfork area at an estimated cost of $300,000 and the second is in Columbia Falls, pegged to cost $500,000.

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or by email at sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.