Rails to Trails hopes to install tunnel art in Kalispell

The only agenda item for the Kalispell City Council’s work session tonight is a proposal from Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana to install artwork in the tunnel under U.S. 93, near Flathead Valley Community College.

Rails to Trails has approached the city requesting a use agreement to paint the east and west tunnel walls of the pedestrian tunnel under U.S. 93 in North Kalispell. The council will discuss components of such an agreement.

A full copy of the proposed agreement, including approvals, copyrights, insurance and other considerations, is available with the work session agenda at https://www.kalispell.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272020-483

The city would reportedly see no fiscal effects from this agreement in fiscal year 2021 or within the first year of the date of final acceptance of the artwork. The timeline of installing the artwork is yet to be determined.

Rails to Trails would be responsible for repairing or replacing any defective component of the work at no cost to the city, according to the proposed agreement. Rails to Trails would also be accountable for maintaining the art and removing any graffiti in a “timely” manner.

The nonprofit organization would also be required to comply with city policies and procedures with respect to working in the public right of way in order to install the artwork. Rails to Trails representatives would be required to attend work sessions with the Kalispell Department of Public Works or the Montana Department of Transportation for those installing art projects.

The meeting agenda does not include any proposals for the artwork itself or estimates of the cost of the project.

The work session is open to the public and starts at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 201 First Ave. E.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.