Fundraising kicks off for Canyon bike trail

by Richard Hanners Hungry Horse News
| June 15, 2011 9:11 AM

The Pints For Paths Brewfest on Aug. 6 in West Glacier will kick off fundraising efforts for the Gateway To Glacier Trail which will one day connect Coram and West Glacier.

Supporters include the Gateway2Glacier group, which represents 61 businesses and individuals primarily in the Canyon area. Interest in the bike path grew out of the new group and the Montana Department of Transportation's renewed interest in the U.S. 2 highway project through Badrock Canyon. The project is getting support from some of the same people who completed the historical Rails To Trails project in Kalispell.

Preliminary discussions show an interest in continuing the existing bike path from Hungry Horse to Coram on the north side of the highway to West Glacier. That way, bikers and hikers could cross U.S. 2 at Coram instead of at West Glacier and be on the same side of the highway as Lake Five and the former U.S. 2 roadway.

At a recent meeting, supporters noted how difficult it was in the 1980s to get MDT to build a bike path when U.S. 2 was reconstructed and how different the process is now. Possible funding sources could include the federal Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP), administered by MDT, and the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP), administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

At an estimated $100,000 per mile to construct a 10-foot wide asphalt path in the state right-of-way along U.S. 2, the biking and walking path could cost about $800,000 to complete. Supporters are looking at a multi-year project that could also include phasing in construction of the trail.

The local match for CTEP funding is 13 percent, and the local match for RTP funding is 20 percent. Supporters are looking for sponsors and at fundraising events for those matching funds. Gateway2Glacier has filed for a nonprofit status.

The Pints For Paths Brewfest will take place Aug. 6 at the Heavens Peak restaurant on U.S. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music will be provided by Marshall Catch. Tickets are tentatively priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information on the trail project, contact Val Parsons at 387-5282 or valannparsons@yahoo.com.