Submit Your Public Comments!

Thanks to everyone for attending last week’s public meeting. We had a great turnout, and a huge volume of comments. Our work is far from complete, however. The public meeting is a great opportunity to share ideas and viewpoints with the public at large, but not necessarily the best arena for substantive comments. Now is the time to submit detailed, technical comments in writing.

Comments are due no later than October 20th November 4th, and can be mailed to Gregg Wood, Dept. of Public Works, 435 Ryman St, Missoula, MT 59802. Comments can also be submitted online through MDT’s EIS website.

When Submitting You Public Comment, Be Specific!

Here are some suggestions, in addition to your own ideas and concerns:

1. Ask for a fair and substantive analysis of an improved Russell Street alternative that doesn’t remove any homes or businesses. State that you want an alternative that does not take any property.
2. Demand that neighborhood driving speeds remain comparable to what they are currently for safety in the corridor. Ask for an analysis of how speeds affect safety.
3. Indicate that the Purpose and Need statement was inappropriately shortened, excluding smaller alternatives from the beginning.
4. Ask for an updated analysis of biking, walking, carpooling, and transit options along the corridor. Insist that capacity is increased for these modes, as required by the Purpose and Need statement. Request funding for transit built in to the project to increase transit capacity.
5. Ask for analysis of the concept of induced demand. Request analysis of the impacts of additional traffic to surrounding neighborhoods.
6. Request that traffic projections be reconfigured using the latest methodology to reflect high gas prices, the flattening of traffic counts, and the desire use other modes.
7. Also, sign our petition, if you haven’t already. The petition will be submitted as public comment, and our goal is to submit well over 1,000 names. Strength in numbers!

For additional talking points, read our series, 3+ Design, 100+ Benefits. This series focuses on the strengths of the 3-Plus proposal. This series is updated regularly, so check back often!