Billings and Yellowstone County submit projects for federal transportation grant

Billings City Council is set to advance two significant transportation projects aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in the community. During the work session on July 7, 2025, city officials discussed the upcoming vote on the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which will allocate nearly $1.8 million in federal funding directly to the Billings urban area.

The first project, proposed by the City of Billings, focuses on a series of Safe Routes to School initiatives. This comprehensive plan includes seven key improvements, such as pedestrian crossings and safety enhancements around local schools. The total cost of this project is approximately $1.5 million, with a funding request of just under $1.3 million from the TAP program. The city plans to contribute around $200,000 from its annual Safe Routes to School allocation.

The second application comes from Yellowstone County, submitted by the Lockwood Pedestrian Safety District. This project, known as the Johnson Lake Sidewalk Connector, aims to fill two critical gaps in the sidewalk network along Johnson Lane. The total project cost is about $250,000, with a request for $217,000 from TAP funds and a local match of $33,600.

Both projects received strong support from the technical advisory committee, with average scores of 86.72 for the city’s proposal and 87.2 for the county’s initiative. The council will vote on these applications during the upcoming consent agenda meeting, paving the way for improved pedestrian infrastructure in the Billings area.

These initiatives not only enhance safety for students and residents but also reflect a strategic shift in funding allocation, allowing local entities to directly access federal resources without statewide competition. As the council prepares to move forward, the community can anticipate a more connected and safer environment for pedestrians in the coming years.