Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is applying for a CDBG Planning Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to hire a professional consultant to create a concept play for the redevelopment of the MetraPark border with US Highway 87. A hearing date was set by the county commissioners last week to consider the application on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 9:30 am in the county commissioners’ conference room, 3rd Floor of the Stillwater Building.

The estimated cost of developing a plan is $60,000. CDBG Planning grants require a one-to-three match. The proposed application would seek a $45,000 grant paired with a $15,000 local match. Yellowstone County, Metra Park, and Big Sky Economic Development have each committed $5,000 to provide the matching funds.

BSED has created a Request for proposal for the purpose of soliciting a professional consultant to complete the proposed plan. The scope of work being requested includes a preliminary design, oversight of public meetings, coordinating the permitting process, preparing plans, schematics, visual aids, and estimates.

The proposed project is an important next step in the continuing improvement of the Metra Park facility,  said Thom MacLean, BSED Community Development Project Manager, who presented the proposal to County Commissioners.

The Montana Department of Transportation’s planned Expo and 1st Avenue North project will modify the junction of US Highway 87 and 1st Avenue North and affect the southern and western edges of Metra Park. The proposed concept plan will provide options for how Yellowstone can redevelop this area after that project is completed.