Billings Trailnet members have done a great job turning out at the public meetings and participating in public comment on our city’s Transportation Plan. However, if we want to see those plans turn in projects, funding is where the rubber meets the road. We need members to turn out at the upcoming public meeting about the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on Wednesday, February 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Billings Public Library’s Community Room.
Public Domain via https://401kcalculator.org
We also need you to make your voice heard at the City Council meeting where they will vote on this important plan.
The funds to implement city capital projects of $25,000 or more are voted on by the City Council as part of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a five-year budget plan which sets project funding for 2018-2022 once adopted.
In order to back up the Planning Division, we need to make sure we demonstrate to City Council our interest in trails and biking infrastructure and hold them accountable for the funds to implement the projects we have advocated for. Council will vote on the CIP during their Monday, March 6 work session at 5:30 p.m. City Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor at 220 N. 27th Street.
Please attend this meeting at the public hearing about the CIP on February 8! If you cannot attend, you can submit public comments to Deputy Public Works Director Vern Heisler at heislerv@ci.billings.mt.us
Projects not currently addressed in the CIP are the 6th Avenue connection between the Heights and Downtown and the 32nd St. W. connection from Poly to Gabel. This despite that road reconstruction is scheduled for 32nd St. West / King Ave. West to Gabel Road in 2021.
You can see the potential trail projects on the Planning CIP, and the road reconstruction projects on the Public Works Road and Storm Sewer Projects CIP on the links provided, or view the entire CIP on the city’s website.
We need a large volume of public comments so the Council knows we are paying attention and want to see these projects funded. Please add your voice!