"Super" Two-Lane Alternative Is Cheaper

Proposal and Savings
Reject the proposed Highway 93 Widening project that would cost approximately $135 million — 80 percent, or $107 million, federally funded. Instead, pursue the "super" two-lane alternatives that would cost about $70 million.

Background
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) proposes to widen a 34-mile section of Highway 93 south of Missoula running through the Bitterroot Valley ($35 million), and a 56-mile section north of Missoula, running entirely through the Flathead Indian Reservation ($100 million). Records of Decision have been signed for both segments of the project. However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) ruled that because of opposition by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the legitimacy of their environmental and cultural concerns, the northern section cannot go forward until the Tribes and state reach agreement on lane configuration.

Status
In the southern section, Friends of the Bitteroot and the Highway 93 Citizens’ Coalition filed suit in federal court against the FHWA and MDT over inadequacies in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), including erroneous safety and capacity analyses and failure to consider regional impacts.

Problems with the Project

Taxpayer Concerns
More cost-effective proposals exist to meet safety and traffic demands. "Super" two-lane alternatives with improved public transit and access management plans in the southern and northern sections would save almost $7 and $30 million, respectively.

Local Community Concerns
Many residents, several elected officials, three local papers, conservation organizations, and several local businesses oppose MDT’s current plan. Recognizing the project’s threat to the cultural survival of the Tribes and the historic and environmental landscape of the area, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Flathead reservation one of America’s 11 "Most Endangered Historic Places" in 1997.

Project opponents argue that report language accompanying the FY99 Transportation Appropriations bill urged the FHWA to reverse its position and authorize construction of the four-lane road.

Local groups have pointed to numerous federal and professional papers, including studies commissioned by the MDT and FHWA, showing that undivided four-lane roads often have accident rates higher than improved two-lane designs.

Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists argue the project would exacerbate uncontrolled development and sprawl in the ecologically crucial Northern Rockies. The project would impact ground water quality, nationally important wetlands, and habitat for numerous endangered species, including grizzly bears.

Contacts
Tom Smith, Flathead Resource Organization, (406) 644-2511; Michael Pablo, Chairman, Tribal Council of Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Flathead Reservation, (406) 675-2700; Jim Olsen, Friends of the Bitterroot, (406) 363-5410; Laurel Ferriter, Highway 93 Citizens’ Coalition, (406) 777-3210.