HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY PUBLIC FACILITIES PART 1: EXISTING CONDITIONS 1. Street Network A. City Roads The Public Works Department maintains streets within the city limits. The City maintains a total of 27.77 miles of streets and 8.503 miles of alleys within the city limits. The streets are generally paved and the alleys mostly have a gravel surface. The street maintenance budget is primarily from the fuel tax funds with some mainte- nance funds coming from the general fund. There are also street maintenance districts for 10 miles of streets and 10 miles of sidewalks.

B. County Roads Roads in the three-mile planning area that are not part of the State primary or secondary highway system are maintained by the County.

C. State & Federal Highways The State and Federal Highway system is comprised of the National Highway System, Primary Highway System and the Secondary Highway system. Federal funding for the U.S. and State Highways come from the National Highway System Program and the Surface Transportation Program. There are no Interstate highways in Ravalli County. U.S. Highway 93 runs north-south through the City of Hamilton and is the major route in the county from the State Line to Missoula. Secondary State highways include MT Highway 269, located east of the City and known as the East Side Highway and MT Highway 531 (Main St.), an east to west highway extending west over the . According to the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) data for each of the Hamilton segments, all of the State Highways have experienced increased traffic volumes over the last three years.

Table 1: ADT for Segments in and Around Hamilton

2007 ADT 2005 ADT Segment US 93 (Junction—Skalkaho Pass Rd) 9,725 9,630 US 93 (Skalkaho Rd— South City Limits) 15,146 14,661 US 93 (South City Limits to Main St.) 18,1888 15,416 US 93 (Main St. to North City Limits) 14,098 11,864 Hwy 269 (East Side Highway in Hamilton) 6200 5040 Hwy 531 (Main St) 4960 5495 Source: Department of Transportation, Rail Transit & Planning Division

Public Facilities—1 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY

Map 1: Hamilton Street Network

Public Facilities—2 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 2. Functional Street Classifications

Roadway facilities are classified by a street functional classification system that specifies the level of mobility roadways must provide to users. The functional classifications are used to establish eligibility for roadway funding projects and to define appropriate street design standards and traffic operating characteristics. The following table contains the street classification system for Hamilton.

Table 2: Functional Street Classification for Hamilton Classification Primary Function Definition

Principal Arterials: Mobility Inter-community roadways connecting community largest cen- ters of major facilities. Principal arterials are generally in- • US Hwy 93 tended to serve predominantly “through” traffic with very restricted access to abutting properties. Spacing between parallel major arterials is generally two miles or greater. Minor Arterials Mobility/Land Access Intra-community highways connecting community centers and facilities. Minor arterials provide intra-community travel for areas bounded by the principal arterial system. Minor arte- rials serve trips of moderate length and provide partially controlled, infrequent access to abutting properties. Spacing of minor arterials is typically less than two miles.

Major Collectors Land Access/Mobility Intra-community highways connecting residential neighbor- hoods with community centers and facilities. The collector • SR 269 (East Side Hwy) roadways also provide access to minor and principal arte- • SR 531 (Main St.) rials. Property access is generally a higher priority for col- lectors, with a lower priority for through traffic movements. Minor Collectors Land Access/Mobility Collectors also provide access to commercial and industrial developments. Spacing of collectors is generally one mile or • Andirondac Ave. less. • Pine Ave • Pickney St • State St. • Marcus St. • Fairgrounds Rd. • Golf Course Rd. • Ravalli St. • 7th St. • 4th St. • Taulman Ave. • Kurtz Lane • Freeze Ln. • Big Corral Rd. • Grantsdale Rd.

Local/Residential St. All remaining Streets Primary Function is to access to abutting properties. Local streets include a variety of designs and spacing depending on access needs. Local streets have low traffic volumes and provide internal circulation and access to residential devel- opment boundaries and small community facilities.

Source: Hamilton Transportation Plan—2002

Public Facilities—3 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 3. Airport

A. General Information The Ravalli County Airport serves the City of Hamilton and Ravalli County. It is located approximately one mile east of the city. The airport is a general aviation (non-airline) and is one of the busiest general aviation air- ports in the State. As noted in the following statistics, the airport serves a variety of users.

• Elevation—3642 ft. • Airport Services—Main runway and parallel taxiway with connecting taxiways. Asphalt apron. Lighted wind sock and segmented circle and rotating beacon. Fuel, hangars and tiedowns. Lighted runway. • Main Runway Dimensions—4200 x 75 feet • Main Runway Surface—Asphalt/porous friction courses, in fair condition • Aircraft Based on Field—116 (96 Single-Engine, 9 multi-engine, 2 Jet, 1 Helicopter, 8—glider/ultra lights) • Average Aircraft Operations a day—65 (57% local & 35% Transient) • 2007 Annual operations = 29,400 • Airport Users - Business, governmental, recreational, emergency medical, personal. Bitterroot National For- est.

(Source: http://www.airnav.com/airports/ & Ravalli County Airport Environmental Assessment)

Figure 1: Ravalli County Airport .

Public Facilities—4 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 3. Airport (cont)

B. Noise Abatement Figure 2: Noise Abatement Procedures The County has a recommended noise abate- ment plan to minimize noise impacts. Figure 2 indicates the preferred patterns for depar- tures and take-offs. The County encourages all pilots to use procedures RPM settings and traffic patterns to minimize the effect of noise on neighbors. Due to projected increases in traffic, noise is projected to increase under all alternatives. The majority of critical noise falls within the boundary of the future airport boundary. The environmental assessment recommends that land contiguous to the easterly boundary be planned that will keep homes a reasonable distance from the airport property to minimize noise impacts.

C. Future Improvements The airport was initially designed for small aircraft with shorter wingspans than common aircraft today. The runway is located too close to the parallel taxiway and the runway length is too short to accommodate 100% of small general aviation aircraft that currently use the airport. The County has completed a Master Plan that proposes to increase the runway length to 5,200 feet with a 400 feet separation from the parallel taxiway. Additionally the runway would be shifted to the north and there would be a new area for aprons and hangars to avoid encroachment in the transitional surface. Plans also rec- ommend that either there should be the acquisition of 96 acres east of the airport property for compatible non- residential development or this be accomplished through easements or zoning. The plans also call for a business park to be developed adjacent to the park. In November, 2008 an Environmental Assessment was completed for the proposed improvements. As of Janu- ary, 2009 the County was reviewing an environmental assessment and taking public comment on the proposal. Much of the funding for airport improvements will come from FAA. The Ravalli County Airport is on the National Plan of Integrated Airport systems (NPIAS) and the Montana Airport System Plan (MASP).

Public Facilities—5 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 4. Transit Since 1976, the Ravalli Council on Aging operates an on-demand public transportation service in the county. The BitterRoot Bus service is open to everyone and provides curb to curb service by appointment. Charges are determined by distance. The BitterRoot Bus operates Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm . The bus service is provided through an ADA-accessible 14-passenger van. Royal Limousine Service is licensed to provide service between all points and places in Missoula County and Ra- valli County. Bitterroot Taxi has applied for a taxi license to provide service in Hamilton. Inter-city service is provided by an airport shuttle has a one-way license for service from Missoula the Interna- tional Airport to Ravalli County and the Missoula-Ravalli Transportation Management Association which oper- ates a van pool from Missoula to Ravalli County. Individuals are picked up at park and ride sites near their home-town and dropped off at their work-place. (http://www.mrtma.org/) The Five Valley Regional Transit Study (2008) study intercity bus needs in Lincoln, Sanders, Granite, Missoula, and Ravalli County. The study recommended phasing in bus service on the US 93 corridor with a Missoula to Hamilton bus commencing in phase 2.

5. Rail

Montana Rail Link (MRL) operates a single-line federal Railroad Administration Class 2 freight line runs from Missoula through Hamilton to Darby. There are four additional stations along this line at Lolo (MP 11), Stevens- ville (MP 29.2), Victor (MP 35.6), and Hamilton (MP 48.0). The entire line is single-track. Most of the line has a maximum speed of 25 mph, with areas near Hamilton and Darby at 10 mph. According to the 2000 Montana State Rail Plan Update this 65.4-mile single track branch line has a maximum speed of 25 mph, can carry a maximum car weight of 134 tons. The 2000 Montana Rail Plan Update reports that traffic has fluctuated and in 2001 the rail line traffic had as many as 818 carloads per year. Traffic has decreased since then that peak year. There were 3 carloads per mile in 2003. MRL states that recent traffic since 2000 has been lumber, pro- pane and grain. The rail line has limited load capacity and many grade crossings. Table 3: Montana Rail Link Traffic on Missoula-Darby Line Year Carloads 1991 466

1999 141

2000 385 2001 818 2002 230 2003 199 Source: Montana Department of Transportation, “Montana State Rail Plan Update—2004”

Public Facilities—6 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 6. Wastewater A. Wastewater Collection System The collection system consists of approximately 20 miles of gravity sewer and 374 manholes. Sewer lines are predominately 8-inch, with collector and interceptor lines varying in size from 15-inch to 27-inch with sewers and force mains generally following the roads within the City limits. The gravity sewer collection system is in good condition with the exception of a few areas. Projects undertaken in the past ten years including the Avenue Interceptor, Fairgrounds Road Interceptor, and new sewer on Kurtz Lane, Skeels Avenue, and Old Corvallis Road, have reduced infiltration within the system. There are still significant infiltration issues within the system, especially in older segments of sewer line in areas of high groundwater. Infiltration is known to take place at pipe joints and manholes. The City has been monitoring the flows to identify areas of rehabilitation. The Daley-Marcus interceptor was constructed in the last five years and expanded the system to the northeast. The collection system includes six lift stations. The New York lift station is located just outside of the wastewater treatment site and collects the main flow by gravity from the downtown area and the discharge from the other lift stations. Stonegate lift station collects gravity flow from the northeast edge of the city. The Corixa, North Side and Pizza Hut pump stations collect flows from the north side of the city. The Golf Course Rd. inter- section lift-station serves the south side. The Wastewater Facility Plan indicates that most stations have sufficient capacity for both near-term and projected conditions. As new development occurs the plan recommends that the City continue to evaluate the station capacities. It is likely that the New York Avenue, Stonegate, SID 17 and Corixa Pumping Stations will all continue to experience growth in their respective service areas. B. Wastewater Treatment Plant The original plant was constructed in 1984 and is located at the west end of New York Avenue adjacent to the Bitterroot River. The Hamilton Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges effluent to the Bitterroot River, a major tributary of the . The State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality has performed an assessment study of the Clark Fork River Basin and designated the river as a high priority for development of a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for nutrients. Currently, the City of Hamilton wastewater facility receives an average monthly influent flow of approximately 0.635 to 1.208 million gallons per day (mgd). Organic and solids loadings are relatively consistent throughout the year. During the summer months, the plant influent flow conditions increase due to groundwater infiltration into the system. The irrigation ditch system that surrounds the collection system contributes to the elevated groundwater. Current loadings are slightly less than design, implying that some available capacity remains but performance deficiencies limit the ability of the treatment plant to operate at the full design loadings. C. Improvements The Wastewater Facility Plan notes that effluent discharge standards may become more stringent and suggest improvements to address these future requirements. The plan also evaluates alternatives for collection system expansion and improving and expanding the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet current and pro- jected flows and loadings. A major upgrade of the treatment plant is scheduled to begin in 2009 and lift sta- tion near the Entrepreneurial Center is scheduled to be constructed also in 2009.

Public Facilities—7 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 7. Water

A. City Water Hamilton obtains 100% of its water supply from wells. The City currently has seven wells scattered throughout the City ranging in capacity from 300 gallons per minute to 700 gallons per minute. The City also has one stor- age reservoir, with a total storage capacity of 1.0 million gallons. Hamilton delivers water through a grid-type water distribution system, equipped with valves, hydrants and elevated storage reservoirs. The capital improve- ment plan (CIP) calls for the construction of a new second 1.0 million gallon storage reservoir for a total capac- ity of 2 million gallons. The CIP also provides for upgrades to the existing wells and improvements to the dis- tribution system. The groundwater aquifers tapped by the wells are generally shallow and receive recharge from the Bitterroot River, its tributary streams, irrigation canals, and applied irrigation water. In some years, direct infiltration of precipitation and snow melt can be an important recharge process. All seven wells are treated with chlorine disinfection. With the exception of Well No. 5, the remaining six wells are also treated with orthophosphate. Well No. 5 is used mainly as a backup source during the summer peak- ing period . The groundwater contains a fair amount of dissolved ions, as evidenced by the hardness, alkalinity and total dissolved solids. The water type is calcium-carbonate, which is typical for a shallow groundwater having a rela- tively short residence time below the land surface (on the order of several years). The water system complies with the present standards required under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Raw source sampling has not detected any organic contaminants in the water supply.

(Source: Montana Rural Water Systems, “Source Water Protection Plan: City of Hamilton Public Water Supply”, PWSID#MT0000234, March 2008) B. Other Public Water Supplies In addition to the City of Hamilton, there are a number of public water supply systems serving residential areas within the planning area. These include the following:

• Antigone Acres—Subdivision serving 62 homes • Wildflower • Dougs Mobile Home Park—40 users • Grants Meadow • Hamilton Mobile Village—40 users • Daly Estate • Mt. View Trailer Court—30 users • Westana Mobile Manor—40 users • White Bird Trailer Ct.—40 users

Section 17.36.328 of the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) contain requirements for sewage systems and water supply systems including the requirement:

“...proposed subdivisions must be connected to a public, water supply or wastewater if any boundary of the subdivision is within 500 feet of the public system …”

Public Facilities—8 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY 8. Stormwater

Hamilton utilizes dry wells, or sumps, to discharge stormwater directly to the subsurface. It is presumed that many sumps exist within the inventory region of the water supply wells. A number of the sump installations are located on commercial properties. Infiltration of direct runoff through the sumps is not anticipated to contami- nate groundwater. However, spills or illegal dumps into the sumps can cause a significant problem. Hamilton has addressed the use of sumps, with consideration for spill containment features, in order to reduce the risk from this source type. Fortunately, a storm sewer is located along Highway 93, which helps to protect groundwater in this area from spilled contaminants. This storm sewer discharges at two locations, to the north and west of town, outside of the source water protection areas.

9. Utilities

A. Electric and Gas Northwestern Energy Company provides electric and gas service to the City of Hamilton. The company currently has two power substations owned by the Northwestern Energy Company ). One is an older 4,160-volt substa- tion that is being phased out. The second is a 12,470-volt, 20 MVA station that is loaded to approximately 12 MVA. Ravalli County Electric Co-Op provides electric service in the unincorporated planning area. Their offices are located north of Corvallis. They were incorporated in 1936 and are one of the oldest co-ops in the state. B. Telephone QWest Communications provides telephone and broadband data services to Hamilton and the surrounding area. The network has been upgraded in recent years with fiber optic lines. C. Cable Television Bresnan Communications provides cable service including digital cable and broadband internet. D. Solid Waste Bitter Root Disposal provides curb side garbage service in Hamilton. The waste is taken to a transfer station south of Victor and then transported to a landfill in Missoula County. Ravalli Services in Hamilton provides drop -off locations for recyclables. They collect aluminum cans, newsprints, magazines, phone books, cardboard, bat- teries, and steel.

Public Facilities—9 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY PART 2: TRENDS Trend 1: Transportation Study

The City of Hamilton completed a Transportation Plan in 2002. Due to the rapid growth in population and hous- ing development, the city is undertaking an update of the plan. It is a joint effort with Ravalli County and the State. The study area extends into the 2-mile study area. The plan will examine the street network as well safety improvements at intersections. Enhancements to improve east-west circulation is a concern. The plan will also look at trails and transit options. Trend 2: Alternative Modes of Transportation and Transportation Enhancements

Transit ridership has been increasing in Ravalli County and nationwide. The Federal Transit Act has established several programs to provide funding for transit to respond to this trend. In Ravalli County, the Bitterroot Bus Service and Ravalli Services have accessed several of the programs as a funding source. These include:

• Capital Assistance for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Figure 3: Multi-use trail (Section 5310) • Financial Assistance for Rural Areas (Section 5311) As part of the TranPlan 21 planning process undertaken by the Montana Department of Transportation, public input indicated an increased interest in bicycle and pedestrian transportation for commuting, transportation, recreation and environmental purposes. There was also support for increasing routes and improving safety, especially in urban areas. In the community survey, policies for pedestrian friendly design and promoting trails received the highest support in the community. The impact of transportation on other quality of life factors has also become more important to the community. At public meetings there were numerous comments about creating a better image along US 93 and enhancing the gateway to the community. Incorporating accessibility components into transportation improvements will help accommodate people with disabilities. Road designs that decrease noise and safe crossings are just as important as moving traffic. Programs such as the Community Transportation Enhancement Program and Mon- tana Fish, Wildlife Trails grants provide funding for increasing trails. The Montana Department of Transporta- tion also has several research reports that address minimizing traffic noise and minimizing access points to cre- ate safer streets.

Public Facilities—10 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY Trend 3: Infrastructure Planning and Smart Growth The National Home Builders Association states that one principle of smart growth is: “Planning and constructing new infrastructure in a timely manner to keep pace with the current and fu- ture demand for housing, and finding a fair and broad-based way to underwrite the costs of this nec- essary infrastructure investment.” There is increasing recognition that decisions regarding new development must take into account the provision of infrastructure such as roads, water, and sewer so that it does not exceed the capacity of the community to pro- vide services. It is also important that upgrades to infrastructure due to growth are funded by the proposed de- velopment and do not create an undue cost burden on existing residents. The Montana Environmental Quality Council notes that one benefit of Growth Policies is that they allow for the efficient extension of infrastructure. The City of Hamilton recently adopted impact fees for transportation (for residential development only), water and wastewater facilities. The City also has policies for cost recovery, oversizing and extension of utilities. It is becoming more common for cities to work with the County, State and Federal agencies to develop joint solutions infrastructure issues. The Capital Improvement Plan includes a schedule for infrastructure improvements along with fire and police upgrades that are described in the Local Services chapter.

Trend 4: Water Quality Standards A primary environmental feature of western Montana, north , and eastern is the Clark Fork River/Lake Pend Oreille/Pend Oreille River watershed, of which the Bitterroot River is a tributary. In recent years, there has been public concern about water quality degradation in the basin, particularly eutrophication (enrichment), which is exhibited as excessive growth of nuisance attached algae that impair recreational uses and decrease water clarity. In 1987, Congress responded to the public concerns by authorizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the sources of cultural pollution within impaired drainage basins and develop recommenda- tions for reducing pollution. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to identify a create a prior- ity of list of “impaired” waterways ant to implement Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans to clean up those waterways to either drinkable or swimmable standards. As a Figure 4: Bitterroot River through Hamilton result of the TMDL, point source discharges to the Bitterroot River will be required to meet more stringent permit require- ments for wastewater discharge permits. Septic tanks drainfields are a significant source of the ni- trogen loading to the Bitterroot River and Clark Fork Clark Fork River Basin. Septic tank effluent, which is rich in nitrogen, flows to the aquifer and is carried laterally to discharge along the lower reaches of the Bitterroot River. Agriculture is also a contributor of nitrogen loading. This issue will be addressed in the TMDL Plan.

Public Facilities—11 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY PART 4: GOALS & POLICIES Goal 1: Provide a safe, efficient and economical system of roads that enhances the community. A. Adopt city design standards for construction of roads and streets in the unincorporated planning area.

B. Ensure that roads in new development efficiently connect to the existing road network.

C. Design access points to minimize traffic conflicts.

D. Evaluate the impact of new development on the transportation network and require mitigation when neces- sary.

E. Coordinate with local Transportation Advisory Committee, County, State and Federal agencies to implement the recommendations of the Transportation Plan and pursue funding sources.

F. Ensure adequate right-of-way is dedicated for future improvements.

G. Enhance east-west traffic circulation across US 93.

H. Prioritize intersection improvements based on congestion and safety needs.

Goal 2: Transportation should be designed to improve quality of life as well as move traffic. A. Actively pursue alternative modes of transportation such as transit and trails and provide for the connectivity of pathways and trails.

B. Include pedestrian safety crossing features particularly on Highway 93 when making improvements to the road network.

C. Incorporate accessibility components to accommodate disabled residents into the design of transportation features

D. Continue to work with community groups to enhance gateway signage and landscaped areas for the en- trances to Hamilton.

E. Control signage along Highway 93 to reduce clutter and promote clear views of the natural surroundings and enhance the community’s image.

F. Land use decisions should take into consideration impacts on the airport and be compatible with airport plans.

Public Facilities—12 HAMILTON, MT GROWTH POLICY Goal 3: New developments should pay for the impacts of their projects on infrastructure and services. A. Explore methods such impact fees , annexation policies, adequate facility ordinances and exactions to re- cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades caused by the need to provide service to the development.

B. Encourage development where there is existing infrastructure or where facilities can cost effectively be ex- panded for new growth.

C. Encourage partnerships and innovative approaches to improve facilities when necessary.

D. Regularly review and update utility main extension policies for oversizing lines, cost-recovery agreements and plant investment hook-up fees.

E. Analyze impact of new development on existing infrastructure to determine if there is capacity and examine the fiscal impact of upgrades.

F. Use financing mechanisms such as tax increment financing, grants, and special improvement districts to fund infrastructure projects.

G. Implement and update current impact fee system to reflect changing conditions.

Goal 4: Promote the provision of adequate infrastructure and services in support of existing and future and development in a manner that is fiscally efficient and environmentally sound. A. Require developers to meet State and local sewage disposal and water supply standards for new develop- ments.

B. Provide incentive for owners of aging and potentially failing septic systems to either connect to public facili- ties or replace their individual ones.

C. Require storm water management plans during the review phase of development projects and ensure that storm water is not degrading water quality.

D. Upgrade water and wastewater systems as necessary to comply with environmental and health standards and provide adequate capacity.

E. Emphasize that the waste water plant be a “good neighbor” and pay careful attention to odors, noise, night lighting, hazardous materials handling and vehicle access concerns. There should be energy efficient affordable housing. Try to encourage central affordable housing to replace energy needs.

Public Facilities—13