Bypass makes its presence felt

Whether you love or loathe the U.S. 93 bypass, drive it daily or avoid those roundabouts at all costs — there’s no denying the economic impact the monumental construction project had on our valley.

The proof is in the numbers.

A recent analysis shows that about $1.21 billion was infused into the local economy over the life of the construction project that began in 2001 and wrapped up last fall. With a final price tag of $135 million, that’s almost a 9 to 1 ratio. Talk about a return on investment.

Evidence of this impact is seen in the new businesses and residential construction related to the project. One number worth noting in particular is the 1,775 jobs attributed to the bypass.

It took Ed Toavs a full year to compile his detailed analysis for his master’s degree in business administration. Toavs is the Missoula district administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation and was heavily involved in the bypass project. He figured the bypass likely was a “once-in-a-career” project. Toavs is right, of course. We probably won’t see the likes of this kind of massive highway project again in most of our lifetimes.

The economic impact certainly will be felt for decades to come, however. The bypass has set the stage for future growth along Kalispell’s western border, with nearby land recently rezoned for new high-density residential development.

Local civic officials already are making good use of Toav’s bypass analysis as a marketing tool. As the largest project in Montana Department of Transportation history, the bypass is a vivid example of how infrastructure investments can positively impact an entire community.