Gallatin Valley MPO Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee Meeting - June 24, 2026

The Gallatin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee (TPCC) met on June 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM (UTC). The meeting was called to order after a delay due to traffic, with 6 of 7 members present. The committee approved minutes from the March 25, 2026 meeting, considered an amendment to the current Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), reviewed the draft UPWP for the next fiscal year, and discussed the Valley Center Spur multimodal connection. One member of the public provided testimony on bicycle safety in construction zones and on the Valley Center Spur.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 25, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer McFarlane (speaking as a private citizen, employed at the Western Transportation Institute at MSU) raised concerns about unsafe conditions for bicyclists in construction zones, specifically on Huffine Lane west of Bozeman, citing a lack of safe pathways as required by FHWA and MDT guidance. She urged the MPO to adopt strong language ensuring multimodal access through construction zones.
• Later in the meeting, Ms. McFarlane commented on the Valley Center Spur item, noting that about one-third of citizens cannot drive and rely on walking, biking, or transit. She described her own experience biking from Four Corners to Belgrade and then to Bozeman, emphasizing the critical access need. She encouraged the committee to use low-cost temporary safety measures (e.g., temporary crossings) rather than lengthy studies before investing in permanent infrastructure.

Discussion Items

• Amendment No. 1 to the FY2026 UPWP: Jeff (MPO Manager) presented a request to move $20,859 from reserve funds to cover $53,000 in additional consultant costs for GIS work, land use projection verification, and enhanced community engagement. The shortfall was offset by savings from a staff vacancy and reduced conference attendance (only one staff member attending a national conference). The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) had recommended approval. The amendment was approved unanimously (6-0).
• First Review of the FY2027 UPWP: Jeff presented the draft work plan for the next federal fiscal year (starting October 1, 2026). Key points: $440,000 annual income, with $50,000 taken by the state, leaving ~$390,000 for staff (two positions), rent, and the long-range transportation plan (LRTP). Approximately one-third of staff time is allocated to administration. The plan includes reductions in training and conferences to fund the required LRTP. Discussion focused on office space costs: the MPO pays indirect costs to the City of Bozeman for rent and operations. Commissioner Brown noted that the city advocated to house the MPO and offered county office space as a potential alternative. Commissioner Bowdy suggested using existing city or county engagement materials (e.g., an unbranded awning) to save $1,000 allocated for engagement supplies. Jeff acknowledged the offers and said discussions with the city are ongoing. No formal action was taken; the plan will return for final approval in July 2026.
• Valley Center Spur Report: Jeff presented a report on the 560-foot connection under I-90 linking Valley Center to Frontage Road. The segment is narrow with bridge pillars, has a history of crashes (mitigated by MDT traffic signals in 2019), and currently lacks bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Challenges include BNSF right-of-way, railroad preemption, multiple jurisdictions, and differing views on a four-way connection. Short-term recommendations include a limited crossing concept (e.g., marked crosswalk with signal coordination) and a bicycle-pedestrian feasibility study. Commissioner Brown shared that BNSF had previously indicated willingness to permit a pedestrian crossing. Jim Hanson raised technical concerns about pedestrian signal preemption with rail crossings and advocated for a feasibility study before installing devices. Mark Eggie suggested using Strava Metro data (available free to the MPO) to understand user origins/destinations and recommended a proper engineering assessment. Commissioner Brown also noted that the city is annexing north of frontage road and the transfer station location may affect planning. No action was taken; further study and interagency coordination were discussed.

Key Outcomes

• Amendment No. 1 to FY2026 UPWP: Approved unanimously (6-0).
• FY2027 UPWP First Review: No action taken; input from the committee will be incorporated and the plan will return for final approval in July 2026. Staff will continue discussions with the City of Bozeman about office space costs and explore options offered by the county and the Urban Transportation District.
• Valley Center Spur: No formal action; the committee expressed support for advancing a limited crossing concept and a feasibility study. Commissioner Brown offered to connect Jeff with BNSF technical consultants who have assisted with other crossing projects. The committee emphasized the need for safe multimodal connectivity and urged avoiding unnecessary delays.