Supporters of the proposed Stagecoach Trail connecting the valley with trails atop the Rimrocks turned out in force for the City Council’s work session Tuesday night.
Jim Nichols, a member of the Friends of Stagecoach Trail group, spoke first to the council and offered several reasons why so many residents support building the Stagecoach Trail (SCT) which would run alongside Zimmerman Trail.
His points included:
- There is no safe access by pedestrian or alternative travel to the wonderful parks and trails on the Rims.
- Since 2016, the SCT has been selected as the best option for Rimrocks to Valley access and represents an integral part of the”Marathon Loop” circumnavigating the city.
- 90% of the 2024 appropriated funding is from a Federal Alternative Transportation Grant and private contributions.
- The SCT has wide support from the Billings community. In a 2022 random trail survey with 95% confidence, 86% of Billings residents surveyed identified the SCT as very important or somewhat important.
- In November, HDR Engineering presented its trail design options to a packed audience at the Billings Public Library Community Meeting Room.
- As a result of this wide community support, Friends of the Stagecoach Trail was organized. The Friends of Stagecoach Trail group is planning to adopt this trail to assist in trail management after its completion.
More than two dozen supporters attended the meeting, and several of them shared their positive views of the project in brief statements to the Council. It was called “a marquee trail,” “a forward looking proposal” with a “magnificent view,” and an “economic benefit” that would help recruit professionals and new businesses.
The comments were followed with a presentation from City Engineer Mac Fogelsong and HDR, Inc. Project Lead Bryant Johnson, on the recommended design for the Stagecoach Trail and budget updates.
Fogelsong informed Council that the project design was roughly 30% done, with the route titled Stagecoach Rise as the recommended design. This recommendation is based on cost and feasibility.
Funding was also broken down as follows:
- $4.8M Transportation Alternatives Grant (submitted by City of Billings Parks Department)
- Billings TrailNet: $100k
- MT FWP Trail Stewardship Grant: $100k
- Parks and Rec/General Fund: $543,875
As well as an additional $90k pledged by TBID (VisitBillings)
Thus far, $386,000 has been spent on design and has not been yet reimbursed by federal dollars. The remaining construction budget is $4,754,289.
City Council asked questions regarding cost, voicing concern over the project surpassing budget. Fogelsong informed them that they would know definitively where cost would be once the City received project bids. No formal action was taken during the meeting.
To watch the full work session, click here.
Have questions? Want to get involved? Let us know at friendsofstagecoachtrail@gmail.com.
Photos and content provided by Steve Prosinski.