WASHINGTON, DC — Missoula County will receive a $13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Mullan BUILD project, according to news releases issued by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
“This grant is big news for anyone who lives, works, or does businesses in and around Missoula, and I’m glad the federal government agrees,” said Tester. “It’s a much-needed project that will help make housing more affordable, and improve roads and other infrastructure critical to keep Missoula thriving.”
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“This funding is a big first step for the Missoula BUILD grant project and the community,” Daines said. “This project is important for infrastructure in Missoula as it helps in continuing to develop the city, as well as with construction of the new Missoula veteran’s home."
The proposed Mullan BUILD project will provide access to nearly 1,500 acres of undeveloped residential, commercial, and industrial land. The extended transportation infrastructure would also allow new industry to set up shop in a focused area close to other businesses and employees.
As planned, the project would first connect George Elmer Drive and Mary Jane Boulevard from Mullan Road to West Broadway. England Boulevard would intersect both routes.
"As a champion for the Missoula community, the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to know that a portion of this year’s BUILD grant was awarded to the county. Throughout the application process the Chamber was proud to fill the role of connector between county planners, elected officials, government agencies and the private sector," said Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Kim Latrelle.
The project will also help make possible the new Community Based Outpatient Clinic which will be built on vacant land at the corner of West Broadway Street and Mary Jane Boulevard.
The City of Missoula has more information about the project on their website, including the following:
The Mullan BUILD project will complete over 3 miles of new collector and minor arterials roads, 3.7 miles of new trails, and 0.5 miles of stream restoration and flood control.
The completed project:
1. Creates jobs, increases housing supply, and provides places for new and expanding businesses in one of Montana’s fastest growing communities
2. Alleviates traffic congestion and reduces travel times
3. Provides safe, convenient walking and biking corridors for school children, and non-motorized and transit users
Watch the video below for more information about the efforts to secure federal funding for the Mullan BUILD project.
