Whitefish council discusses $30M-grade-separation plan; staff recommends pursuing federal grants

The Whitefish City Council spent the latter portion of its May 4 meeting reviewing conceptual plans for a grade-separated crossing at East Second Street and discussing federal grant opportunities to help pay for design and construction.

Consultants presented overpass and underpass alternatives. They said an overpass is the preferred alternative because an underpass would require construction of two new railroad bridges during work and long-term drainage systems and pumping that increase ongoing maintenance and operations costs in a freezing climate.

"If it's not now, when?" the mayor asked, urging the council to consider applying for competitive federal funds. Staff cautioned the council that typical federal grant programs being considered (including CRISI and other FRA funding lines) generally fund 80% of project costs and require a minimum 20% local match; planning awards can start at about $1 million, which implies a minimum local match of about $200,000.

Councilors discussed priorities — some argued that smaller safety fixes such as Birch Point should be done first, while others said East Second is a long-term priority tied to emergency response and circulation. Staff said BNSF has to be a partner for either underpass or overpass work and that the city would likely request a funding commitment resolution and letter of funding intent as part of any federal application.

No formal resolution was adopted at the May 4 meeting, but staff and consultants said they are positioned to prepare competitive grant applications if the council provides direction on match funding and project scope; council members directed staff to continue public outreach and return with a path forward that addresses match commitments and community concerns.