Full Text
172nd Street East, Suite pr Kalispell, MT 59901 4 [PHONE REDACTED] June 3,2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx, In Kalispell’s core area, along the railroad tracks that run through the middle of town, I hear whispers of a once thriving business district and community center. Perhaps also, I am piecing together memories of Kalispell, shared by my hardy homesteading ancestors who helped to settle this valley five generations ago. This underutilized portion of Kalispell’s downtown has the potential to serve as the heart of our community. Sadly, the downtown as a whole, and more specifically the core area near the tracks, has slowly grown dilapidated as national chains expand the outskirts of our city and highway traffic increases through downtown. Having a rail-served business in this area is no longer a benefit to the small businesses that once lined this area and rail coming through this area impedes the flow of vehicle and foot traffic. The Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project brings incredible value because it repurposes this abandoned land in the heart of Kalispell. It helps restore life to the historic downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods and gives small businesses a chance to work together toward new, sustainable infrastructure. It also provides the community with needed places to gather and celebrate, to shop and even to bike. It brings color to a very bare, very brown, but immeasurably important part of town. I believe it is time we resurrected the heart of Kalispell that has too long lain dormant along the tracks. The area is ripe for development and commerce. It is a prime location for systems like bike paths that help residents engage in healthier ways. Can we do it? Will your money make a difference? I can say absolutely, resolutely - yes. The people of Kalispell have a heritage of grit and adaption. Ironically, this is not the first time we have overcome railroad relocation and found a way through it to thrive. At the turn of the century, when the railroad tracks pulled out of nearby Demersville in favor of Kalispell, the Demersville settlers worked with what they had. They propped their homes ---PAGE BREAK--- and businesses up on locally harvested logs and rolled their buildings several miles into the fledgling Kalispell. They became some of its first citizens and were a critical part of its success. Their tenacity ensured that Kalispell flourished. In Kalispell, we recognize, plan and act to find the way to a better future. These stories matter, my story matters — each story we are writing today matters. They are the stories that show this town knows how to work creatively and effectively to use resources. They are what make us human and bind us together as a community. The Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project is critical to sustaining and growing new small businesses in Kalispell. It will serve many purposes including providing businesses that require rail with an environment better suited to growth and collaboration. It also literally lays the groundwork for community space that allows us to raise children who value teamwork, respect others and to contribute to society. Without a revitalized core area, Kalispell is steamrolling toward urban sprawl that at its center has no heart. As a town, we are at a tipping point — fight for our legacy or commercialize and eliminate the tenants that make small town life special. Kalispell’s core area deserves a second chance. We are preparing to do something that will provide a return in both economic impact and positive societal change. Will you join with me in fighting for community and small businesses? I urge you partner with us. Approve the Tiger Grant for the Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail and then come celebrate being part of making a big difference for one very incredible small town. Most sincerely, East, Suite 214 Kalispell, MT 59901 ---PAGE BREAK--- cornerstone WEALTH MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, PC May 27, 2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail Dear Mr. Foxx, I am writing you today to convey my support of the Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project. The scale of the project requires funding assistance from the US DOT TIGER 2015 Discretionary Grant Program. The completion of this project will result in countless benefits for the region and community as a whole. The project will contribute greatly to the creation of jobs, diversifying the economy and tax base and leveraging private investment in community redevelopment. It will also significantly benefit the disadvantaged section of the community. By constructing a new Glacier Rail Park in the reclaimed gravel pit east of Kalispell, moving the rail-service to the rail park and converting the old rail line through Kalispell into a 2-mile bike and pedestrian trail, the community will achieve a safer alternative means of transportation. This alternative transportation route will create a connection between the citizens of the economically disadvantaged section of the community to an area that provides an increased number of work and educational opportunities. I am in full support of converting the vacant 44 acres of blighted brownfields into a new thriving center of the community. The result of the project will be both immediate and long-term with the job creation, improved infrastructure, an improved quality of life for community residents and a solid investment in the future. Best Regards, Donald A. Rich, CFP, MS, MPASSM President Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners, PC ---PAGE BREAK--- PIONEERING ENVIRONMENTS June 1,2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: US DOT Tiger 2015 Discretionary Grant Program : GLACIER RAIL PARK / KALISPELL CORE AREA DEVELOPMENT AND TRAIL Dear Mr. Foxx, Over the last several years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching the City of Kalispell inspire community support for a complete transformation of our city’s downtown core. It’s a subject that has taken a great deal of service and passion to complete, and one that is sorely needed. If you’ve never been to Kalispell, our historic downtown is severed in half by a railroad track that, over the years, has lost its usefulness and now serves only two clients. Our hope is, with the relocation of these clients to a new rail park and the conversion of these tracks into a vibrant pedestrian greenbelt, the entire community can benefit from the transformation of a blighted core severed by an antiquated railway, to a permeable, connected, organized, vibrant and enlightened downtown; one that creates new opportunity for smart development and years of growth for our downtown. As a business owner located on the fringe of the blighted area, but also representing a firm of over 400 professionals, I speak from the point of view of not only aesthetic importance, but one of economic vitality as well. By allowing for the redevelopment of 44 acres of vacant, blighted, brownfields in the very core of our City to be revitalized into contributing businesses, services, and residential opportunities, we are literally supercharging our economy by adding density to our downtown, where folks will have the renewed opportunity to live, work and play, all within blocks of their homes. This new pedestrian vitality in the center of the community will add to the charm and allure of downtown Kalispell. The City’s Core Area Plan itself has already generated some reinvestment in the area, with the hopes that the rail park will in fact be completed. I believe that the TIGER grant is literally the key to catapulting further reinvestment forward, and the next necessary step to seeing our community’s vision of the future realized. I strongly urge you to support Kalispell’s request for TIGER funding for this very important endeavor, and I hope you’ll review the exciting design documents that portray our vision for Kalispell’s future. Please feel free to email or call me if you have any questions or thoughts to add. Our City’s bright future depends upon your actions, and I thank you deeply for your thoughtful consideration. David Koel, AlA Associate Principal CTA ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS davidkctaqroup.com [PHONE REDACTED] Sincerely, 2 Main Street * Suite 205 Kalispet, Montana 59901 • 406, 257. 8172 • Fax: 406. 257. 8173 http://www.ctagroup.com E-mail: infoctagroup.com ---PAGE BREAK--- Rick BLake 2 June 2015 Mr. Secretary Anthony Foxx U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail Secretary Foxx: I am sending this letter in support of the Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail application, for which the City of Kalispell and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority are requesting National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER VII) grant funding. The Flathead County Rail Park service area will consist of ALL NW Montana: East to the Continental Divide; West to the MT-ID border; North to Canadian border and South to Ronan and Hot Springs on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Approval of this grant application will enhance the economic vitality of northwest Montana thereby leading to much needed job creation, diversifying the economy and tax base and most importantly leverages private investment in community redevelopment. Sincerely, Rick Blake rick(bigskyinc.com P.O. Box 700 Whitefish MT 59937 [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- ANTOINE BROCKMAN June 1,2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx, I am writing to express support for the Glacier Rail Park-Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail TIGER Grant application. The City of Kalispell and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) in Kalispell, Montana jointly submit this grant. Allocation of TIGER funds to this project will capitalize on public and private investment by turning a former gravel pit north of the city into a rail-served industrial park. It will transform current downtown railroad tracks into a bike and pedestrian path for increased access to downtown businesses, and leverage public-private partnerships to revitalize the downtown core into an accessible rejuvenated, thriving community. An added benefit to the project is the creation of much-needed jobs and diversification to the city’s economic infrastructure. TIGER support from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for this project capitalizes on established public-private partnerships. This will enable our community to repurpose a vacant gravel pit and industrial property into a rail-served industrial park for local and regional value—added industries, including wood products and agribusinesses. The rail park leverages private investment for community redevelopment while attracting businesses to the area. Additionally, development of the Glacier Rail Park enables two remaining rail-served businesses to relocate from downtown. With those businesses relocated, the City of Kalispell and FCEDA can start enabling their public-private partnerships by redeveloping 44 acres of blighted, brownfield land. This means near total transformation of the core downtown for future generations of residents and visitors. Perhaps the most exciting component to the project is the transformation of two-miles of railroad tracks running through downtown into a bike and pedestrian path. Kalispell will undoubtedly become a more attractive place to live, work, and play when the transformation occurs. The bike and pedestrian path is a critical component of the whole project as it will add new vitality to the center of the business community. The path adds an alternative transportation corridor to our community, increasing access to the community, educational, and employment opportunities for all citizens. These benefits will especially aid the economically disadvantaged citizens of our community. Support for the Glacier Rail Park-Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail application would be the catalyst for public and private investment efforts years in the making. Essentially, this project has the potential to transform the entire community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Antoine Brockman, Board Member Flathead County Economic Development Authority 740 Capistrano NW • Kalispell, Montana 59901 • [PHONE REDACTED] • antoinedbrockmangmail.com ---PAGE BREAK--- June 3, 2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell MT Core Area Trail -TIGER VII Grant Application Dear Mr. Hill, On behalf of Flathead County Economic Development Authority, I am sending this letter in support of the Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project application, for which the City of Kalispell and the FCEDA are requesting National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER ) grant funding. The proposed $21.5M investment in rail, road and utility infrastructure to develop the Kalispell Glacier Rail Park for tenants will leverage the area’s access to the BNSF Great Northern Corridor, resulting in business development, job creation and increased rail use. The $1OM investment of TIGER funds in this existing project will leverage $11M in funds from private and county funds to bring the property to its fullest potential for economic growth. TIGER grant funds would accelerate the development of the rail park creating a location for existing businesses to consolidate operations and increase rail traffic use while decreasing truck traffic congestion in downtown Kalispell. The availability of rail-served sites and a trans-loading service provider will encourage new and expanding businesses to increase use of rail for both receiving and shipping product. Approval of this grant application for an investment in infrastructure will enhance the economic vitality of northwest Montana. The development will encourage businesses to invest in their own growth resulting in the creation of jobs, diversity in the economy and a broader tax base. Board Member FCEDA ---PAGE BREAK--- RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Mmbr FiNRA/SPC 20 2nd Street West Kalispell, Montana 59901 (406) 756-7200 • (800) 756-7020 Fax (406> 756-7220 May 29, 2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development & Trail Dear Secretary Foxx, I am writing to encourage you and the US Department of Transportation to fully support the request for the TIGER funds for the Flathead County Economic Development Authority, and the City of Kalispell, MT. This grant will be utilized to build the new Glacier Rail Park, to dramatically improve the flow of transportation and economic vitality in the Kalispell Core, and to bring much needed green space into the Kalispell Core Area. Flathead County and the City of Kalispell have recognized for years the need for an industrial rail park and for the removal of the railroad tracks from the downtown business area of Kalispell. Many attempts have been made to make this happen over the last 20 years, but it has been an uphill battle. Through the diligent effort of many partners and supporters, we are close to making this happen and hopefully utilize the award provided by the TIGER funds. The benefits to securing the funds are multiple; including, the creation of many new jobs, further diversifying the local economy and the tax base, and leveraging private investment in community redevelopment. As a business owner in the community and as a private citizen, I urge you to support the TIGER grant application. It will make a monumental difference in our community! Jcidieards, I’ Jeannie Luckey, CFP Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRAJSIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FUIC or any other bank insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. 7 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 erA&kew REAL ESTATE 3 RIDGECREST COURT WHITEFISH, MONTANA 59937’ (406> 862-6336 ‘ 1-[PHONE REDACTED] • FAX (406) 862-6338 May 26, 201 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Kalispell Trail- FCEDA Rail Park Project TIGER 2015 Grant Application Dear Mr. Foxx, As a Real Estate Broker in Flathead County I am writing in support of the “Glacier Rail Park! Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail” project for which the City of Kalispell and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority are requesting TIGER 2015 funding. The proposed more than $21,000,000 investment in rail, road, utility infrastructure and multi-use trail to develop the Rail Park and the revitalize the Kalispell Core Area will leverage the area’s access to the BNSF rail line and the Great Northern Corridor. This project will result in job creation, economic growth and the more freight movement in the region as well as allow the community to invest in the development of its own resources. A $10 million investment ofTIGER 2015 funds in this existing project will leverage more than $11 million in private, county and city funds. Being located 120 miles from an Interstate Highway, Kalispell is an isolated region. The northwest region ofMontana is historically a center for the wood products industry, agriculture, mining and the production of aluminum. These industries have been connected to major markets by the Great Northern Corridor and served by the BNSF mainline for over 100 years. As the economy evolves and changes the importance ofmaintaining that connection to national and international markets continues to be vital to the strength of the regional economy. Construction of the FCEDA Rail Park and the transload operator service provider that will be located there will increase connections for all rural Montana businesses to domestic and international ports, allowing Montana’s small businesses, agricultural producers, manufacturers and consumers to efficiently ship and receive goods. INDIVDUA EflC OFFICES LOCATED AT: MEMPHIS,TN AND WHITEFISH, MT ---PAGE BREAK--- The community is in agreement that the removal of the tracks from the center of Kalispell and relocating heavy industry from the Core Area to the Rail Park will spur revitalization ofthe area, stimulating new investment and job creation. Residents of Kalispell view the Kalispell Core Area project and the Kalispell Trail as a key component to developing the heart of Kalispell into a cohesive and thriving community for the future and are in strong support of it. This project is the result of more than five years of planning and collaboration between the City of Kalispell, Flathead County, the residents ofthe Core Area and local businesses. The result of this project coming to fruition are both immediate and long term benefitting the community with job creation, improved infrastructure, an improved quality of life for community residents and a solid investment in the future. Sincerely, W. Turner Askew, President Turnew&Aociate ---PAGE BREAK--- First Interstate Bank 2 Main St. P.O.8ox7130 F aa 4 — Kalispell, MT 59904-0130 First [PHONE REDACTED] Interstate Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] www.tirstinlerstatebank.com Bank May 29, 2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail Dear Mr. Foxx, I am writing in support ofthe Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project for which the City of Kalispell and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority are requesting TIGER VII funding. The proposed $21 million public/private investment in rail, road, utility infrastructure and multi-use trail will leverage the area’s access to the BNSF rail line and diversify the economy and expand the tax base in Kalispell’s Core Area. This project will result increased private investment, job creation, and allow further diversification of the regional economy and tax base. A $10 million investment ofTIGER VII funds in this project will leverage more than $1 I million in private, county and city funds. Northwest Montana is historically a center for the wood products industry, agriculture, mining and the production of aluminum. These industries have been connected to major markets by the Great Northern Corridor and served by the BNSF mainline for over 100 years. As the economy evolves the importance of maintaining that connection to national and international markets continues to be vital to the strength of the regional economy. Construction of the Glacier Rail Park and the transload service provider that will be located there will increase connections for rural Montana businesses to domestic and international ports, allowing Montana’s small businesses, agricultural producers, and manufacturers to efficiently ship and receive goods. The community is in agreement that the removal of the tracks and relocating heavy industry from the core of Kalispell to the rail park will spur revitalization of the area and stimulate new investment and job creation in new industries for this economically disadvantaged section of the community. Converting the old rail line through the heart of Kalispell into a two mile bike and pedestrian trail will create a safe, alternative transportation corridor to connect residents of this area of Kalispell to work and education opportunities. TIGER funds will allow for reconstruction of rail way, access roads, and four complete street connections to be built to better access property and allow for redevelopment of 44 acres of vacant, blighted, brownfields properties creating new vitality in the center of the community. ---PAGE BREAK--- This project is the result ofmany years ofplanning and collaboration between the City ofKalispell, Flathead County, the residents of the Core Area and local businesses. The results of this project coming to fruition will be both immediate and long term, benefitting the community with job creation, upgraded infrastructure, and improved quality of life for community residents. Sincerely, Scott P. Mizner Vice President ---PAGE BREAK--- A First Montana May 29, 2015 Bank KALI SPELL Nc,rLh Main Street l 752-4708 — WWW.LCSTAFFING.COM June 1, 2015 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail Dear Mr. Foxx: The Glacier Rail Park and Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail project is to build a new Rail Park at a reclaimed gravel pit east of Kalispell, allowing the move of rail-service for Kalispell’s last rail-served businesses to the rail park. This will provide ability to convert the old rail line through Kalispell into a 2- mile bike and pedestrian trail, creating a safe alternative transportation corridor that connects citizens of this economically disadvantaged section of the community to work and education opportunities, as well as allowing redevelopment of 44 acres of vacant, blighted, brownfields properties creating new vitality in the center of the community. At LC Staffing, we are celebrating our 30 th year of doing business in Kalispell, Montana. We employ more than 450 people in the Kalispell area, and almost 700 state-wide. We partner with hundreds of local businesses to provide qualified, quality employees for their job opportunities. LC Staffing is located just north of the current rail line that this project would convert into a bike and pedestrian trail. Removing the tracks and putting in trail would allow more job candidates the ability to get to our business via bike or by walking. This redevelopment in the center of Kalispell is also likely to stimulate investment and create job opportunities for more people in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support of this project by supporting the approval of the TIGER request for $10 million to fund railroad track at, and access road to, the new rail park; and then to construct the 2-mile trail and 4 complete street connections to be built in Kalispell’s Core Area Kind Regards, Mo-ro’ Sfr-wrdv Maria Skonord, MS, PHR Vice President ---PAGE BREAK--- 214 1st Ave West Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone (406) 257-5808 Fax (406) 257-7669 The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Honorable Secretary, I am writing you in support of the City of Kalispell receiving the US DOT TIGER 2015 Discretionary Grant for the “Glacier Rail Park and Kalispell Core Area Development and Trail” project. The downtown business area would greatly benefit from the conversion of the down town corridor from a section of railway to a bicycle and walking path for esthetic, safety, and utilization reasons. Esthetically the downtown Kalispell area keeps with fairly consistent theme. We have a fairly traditional “main street” esthetic with brick buildings and small business. Running all the way from the existing bike path on the edge of town, across downtown with a perpendicular crossing of Main Street, and connecting two city parks is a single rail line with a few spurs. With the railway running next to the two city parks and crossing through the Kalispell neighborhoods including Main Street you can’t help but notice the eyesore that is the all but abandoned tracks. A well done walking and cycling path would greatly improve the overall look and feel of downtown Kalispell. Converting the unused railway through downtown to bike and walking path would greatly improve the safety of the downtown area for commuters and users of the city parks which the railway passes. As it is presently, the unused section of railway is often home to at least a few transients. Due to the fact that this area is seldom frequented, it becomes and easy place for the transient community to reside. As mentioned above the railway connects a residential neighborhood to two city parks. If the railway were to be converted to a bicycle and walking path, Kalispell would not only benefit from providing a safe way to commute and visit our parks by foot or bicycle, but would also help make the north end of two city parks even safer in parents’ eyes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 214 1st Ave West Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone (406) 257-5808 Fax (406) 257-7669 The existing railway corridor through Kalispell is currently a very underutilized stretch of land. To our employees we estimate that atrain comes across the Main Street intersection about every six weeks. It simply doesn’t make sense to keep such a large area of downtown land set aside for such a minimal amount of use. A bicycle and walking path would be a much greater use of said land. As cyclists, walkers, and runners begin utilize the new pathway, Kalispell would see a decrease in congestion caused by having multiple users on our busy roadways. As a downtown business we view this as a “win win” way to make traveling through downtown safer for pedestrians and motorists. It is for these reasons that we here at Wheaton’s support the City of Kalispell in their pursuit of the US DOT TIGER Grant for 2015 and the Glacier Rail Park/Kalispell Core Area Development and trail. We look forward to the completion of this ambitious project. Best Regards, Margaret Lekander Wheaton’s Cycle 214 1 St ave west Kalispell, MT 59901