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KCFW Construction begins at Glacier Rail Park By: Daniel Incerpi (http://www.nbcmontana.com/meet-the-team/daniel-incerpi/553462953) (mailto:[EMAIL REDACTED]) Posted: Aug 22, 2017 06:55 PM MDT Updated: Aug 22, 2017 07:04 PM MDT KALISPELL, Mont. - The Glacier Rail Park project began as a proposal in 2010. On Tuesday local and state of×cials of×cially broke ground. "The rail park is the ×rst step in the transformation of downtown Kalispell," said Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson. With the ceremonial turning of the shovel, the transformation began. The project's biggest supporters posed for a picture as they began construction. A $10 million federal grant helped make the park come to life. "This is the moment in history that 50 years from now we're going to look back and realize the pain and sacri×ce we made was well worth the effort," said Johnson. Sen. Jon Tester believes the project can be a game-changer. "I have no doubt that the $10 million we are investing in this community will bring millions and millions of dollars of economic growth to northwestern Montana," Tester said in front of the crowd at the ceremony. The rail park moves the current tracks out of downtown, creates a new hiking and biking trail and allows for new business opportunities. The trail will stretch from Woodland Park to Meridian Road. Locals look forward to the new addition. "I think it would be wonderful for the area, and I look forward to using it," said Ted Rubow. Of×cials are optimistic looking to the future. Construction begins at Glacier Rail Park (Interactive Media Not Supported by Print) ---PAGE BREAK--- "To come here and see dirt starting to move and the economic activity that's going to happen right here in this park and the long-term impact it's going to have on the economy here in Kalispell is just going to be incredible," said Tester. The rail park is the ×rst phase of a ×ve-year project bringing changes to the downtown area. © Copyright 2017 by KECI, KCFW, KTVM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.