Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Missoula County Commissioners approved a $187,000 Housing Innovation Fund grant to NeighborWorks Fontana for wastewater improvements at Old Hellgate Village mobile home park on Mullen Road, which will keep 34 mobile homes permanently affordable. The Commission also approved a programmatic agreement for Section 106 related to the Maclay Bridge replacement and South Avenue Bridge project, and settled a lawsuit with Carlton Protection Trust regarding the Western Materials gravel pit on Highway 93.
Key Decisions (3)
Housing Innovation Fund Grant for Old Hellgate Village Wastewater Project
Approved $187,000 grant from Housing Innovation Fund to NeighborWorks Fontana for wastewater improvement project at Old Hellgate Village mobile home park on Mullen Road, outside city limits. The project will connect 34 mobile homes to city water, replacing an outdated septic system. Total project cost is over $2,000,000. Grant serves as local match funding contingent upon receiving other grant funding sources including CDBG.
Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 - Maclay Bridge and South Avenue Bridge
Approved signing the programmatic agreement for Section 106 outlining archaeological, cultural, and historical responsibilities for the current Maclay Bridge and proposed South Avenue Bridge project. SHPO, MDT, and Federal Highway Administration have already signed. County obligations include proper disposal of current bridge (which has lead-based paint), confidentiality of cultural resource information, and participation in public stakeholder engagement.
Settlement Agreement - Carlton Protection Trust v. Missoula County and Western Materials
Approved settlement agreement in CPT versus Missoula County and Western Materials (DV 24919). Settlement reached during February 26 settlement conference. Missoula County agrees to: 1) provide letter of support to Montana Department of Transportation regarding safety concerns on Highway 93 and Old Highway 93 near the gravel pit, and 2) conduct required inspections regarding zoning and permitting compliance by Western Materials LLC, including variance conditions.
Development Activity (2)
Old Hellgate Village Wastewater Improvement Project
$2,000,000+ wastewater improvement project connecting 34 mobile homes to city water, replacing outdated septic system. Will keep units permanently affordable and reduce resident out-of-pocket costs through monthly lot rent.
South Avenue Bridge and Maclay Bridge Replacement
Replacement of current Maclay Bridge with new South Avenue Bridge. Current bridge contains lead-based paint and will need proper disposal if no new home is found. Four-F agreement and categorical exclusion expected late summer.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
County is investing in preserving affordable mobile home housing stock, with $187,000 committed to keep 34 units permanently affordable at Old Hellgate Village.
Infrastructure
Housing Innovation Fund balance is between $650,000-$750,000, indicating continued capacity for affordable housing infrastructure investments.
Infrastructure
Major bridge infrastructure project (Maclay/South Avenue Bridge) advancing through federal environmental review process with categorical exclusion expected late summer.