Central Montana Times

Great Falls, MT – The Missouri River North Bank Stabilization Phase 1 is near completion. The River's Edge Trail section from the north bank of the Missouri River upstream of the 10th Street Bridge is scheduled to reopen on May 19, 2023. Phase 2 is set to begin in October of 2023 and is estimated to be completed by Thanksgiving. The River's Edge Trail directly upstream of Phase 1 will be closed during that timeframe. Completing Phase 2 will result in finishing the recommended repairs along the north bank of the Missouri River. The estimated cost for both phases is $1,190,000, with grant funding covering approximately 75% of the total budget. 

A cooperative partnership between the City of Great Falls, Cascade County, Cascade County Conservation District (CCD), Recreational Trails Inc., and Northwestern Energy identified a 1,440-foot stretch of bank line along the North side of the Missouri River with significant erosion. Large portions of the bank line sloughed off into the river creating unstable conditions and safety hazards. The erosion threatened the Rivers Edge Trail and a 36-inch buried sewer line approximately 30-60 feet from the bank's edge. 

The funds to implement the needed improvements came from a combination of grants, the City's Sanitary Sewer Enterprise Funds, and the Park and Recreation Department. The cooperative partnership allowed stakeholders to request grant funding to assist with the cost of the project. Grants received for Phase 1 include a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant in the amount of $397,749.75 and a grant from NorthWestern Energy and the Missouri/Madison River fund in the amount of $73,383.95. For Phase 2, the City again received a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant in the amount of $356, 208.23 and a grant from the Missouri/Madison River fund award for $60,000. 

"Bank stabilization measures along this reservoir stretch protect the pedestrian path and sewer line, eliminate erosion and safety hazards, and reduce sediment deposition into the river," stated COGF Senior Civil Engineer Russ Brewer. "The incorporation of bio-engineered design elements into the project will also enhance riverine and wildlife habitats."

Park & Rec Trails Coordinator Steffen Janikula said, "The North Bank improvements will provide a direct recreational benefit to the community. Maintaining the trail loop is paramount in supporting many annual and nonprofit-based recreational activities, such as races, walks, and fundraisers that utilize the loop in their recreational community outreach efforts."

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