Daines Helps to Secure $22.7 Million in Grants for Kalispell Highway, Missouri River Crossing Project

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced over $22 million in grant funding for US Highway 93 in Kalispell, and the Missouri River Crossing Project. As a member of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Daines secured the funding through the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant programs.

“From driving to work every day to welcoming visitors at Glacier National Park, this infrastructure is critical to Montana’s economy and jobs,” Daines said.“I’m thrilled to have secured these funds for Kalispell and Toston and I look forward to seeing these projects get started!”

The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Details below:

City of Kalispell: $12,750,000

This grant will widen an approximately 2-mile section of the US Highway 93 bypass from 2-4 lanes and replace an existing roundabout at Foys Lake Road.

On July 12, 2018 Daines sent a letter to DOT Secretary Chao in support of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce receiving the BUILD grant.

In 2015, Daines also secured a $10 million grant for infrastructure improvements in Kalispell.

Missouri River Crossing Project: $10,000,000

This grant will accelerate the Missouri River Crossing Project, which will reconstruct approximately 3.5 miles of US 287 near Toston, improve several intersections and replace two structurally deficient bridges. 

On June 27, 2018 Daines sent a letter to DOT Secretary Chao in support of the Missouri River Crossing Project receiving the BUILD grant.  

Statements of Support:

Joe Unterreiner, President and CEO, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau: “Today’s announcement that the Kalispell Bypass has been selected for $12.75 million of BUILD funding is tremendous news for Kalispell and the Flathead Valley.  Sen. Daines’ support and advocacy on our behalf with the US. Department of Transportation was an important part of today’s announcement.  With traffic counts already at 2040 projections, the widening of the south half of the Bypass and removal of roundabouts will be benefit to the traveling public throughout northwest Montana.”

Mark Johnson, Mayor of Kalispell: “The citizens of Kalispell, and all of Flathead Valley, will benefit significantly from this grant as we continue our work to complete the highway 93 by-pass and improve the flow of traffic in our fast-growing community. Couple this with the TIGER grant we received to redevelop the core area of Kalispell and we are well positioned to grow into the future and improve the lives of those who live in our community. This growth with be well worth the investment of the grant funds. Thank you Senator Daines for your support and assistance with this project and everything else you do for us!” 

Pam Holmquist, Flathead County Commissioner: “What a wonderful early Christmas present for Flathead County as we continue our efforts to make the alternate route a true by-pass.  Special thanks to Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Congressman Gianforte for helping us secure these funds.”

Mark Blasdel, Montana State Senator: “This is an incredible step for the Flathead Valley in its growth and a tremendous example of collaborative effort and leadership from Senators Daines, Tester, Congressman Gianforte, state agencies, local legislators, county and city government, and local business groups such as the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.” 

Julie Dooling, Montana State Rep, HD 70: “This is great news and a great step forward towards improving safety in this critical transportation corridor for our community and Montana. We appreciate the efforts of Senators Daines, Tester and Congressman Gianforte on securing funds for these infrastructure projects.”

  

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