Missoula Connect funding
Missoula’s Long Range Transportation Plan — also known as Missoula Connect — got an additional injection of funds for planning purposes.
Nelson-Nygaard has the contract, which was originally worth $335,438 when it was signed in 2019. Wednesday’s approved request granted an additional $150,000 to the project. The funds are not coming from the city’s general budget, but are federal dollars distributed through the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Goals of the plan include making the city more walkable and cyclist-friendly, including adding more bike lanes and trails. Nelson-Nygaard was hired to sort through what the public wants and come up with an overall plan to meet Missoula’s growing transportation needs.
Much of the work also deals with the community’s climate goals, with an emphasis on non-motorized transportation. Other road projects could be added into the plan, which is not finalized.
The pandemic interrupted the plan, which is part of why the company is asking for more money.
“We began work on Missoula Connect in late December 2019 and had to shift elements of our project approach and work plan in response to COVID-19,” a Nelson-Nygaard memo to the city said. “Due to the pandemic and resulting changes to the project schedule, our work is continuing for several months longer than planned. Beyond the longer project duration, we have also expended more budget than anticipated, largely due to greater levels of effort.”
