Fundraising for Canyon trail moving forward

Efforts to raise money to build a separated bike path along U.S. 2 from Coram to West Glacier are making steady progress, according to Val Parsons, president of Gateway to Glacier Trail.

The nonprofit recently received a $3,000 grant from the Cinnabar Foundation and a $2,500 grant from BNSF Railway, she said, and other grant applications have been made. A Pints For Paths brewfest in August 2011 drew more than 200 people and raised $2,000.

The group has now raised $13,000 but their goal is to raise $52,000 by October, Parsons said. With an estimated cost of $800,000 to build eight miles of trail, the group would need to come up with a 13 percent match, or $104,000, with the rest paid by federal Community Transportation Enhancement Program funds.

But under new rules adopted by the Flathead County Commissioners, which controls use of the county’s share of CTEP funds, Parson’s group must come up with half the match, $52,000, by October before they can apply for the CTEP money.

“Failing to meet this first financial deadline of $52,000, we would not be able to apply again until 2015,” West Glacier resident Terry Divoky told the Cinnabar Foundation.

Parsons is confident her group can reach its goals.

“Over the next three years it takes for planning, construction, etc., we will raise the other $52,000,” she said. “We also have to raise money for future maintenance.”

Parsons is no newcomer to trail building. She has 17 years of experience and contacts from working on the successful Rails To Trails project from Kalispell to Kila.

Shortly after moving to the Canyon, Parsons took on a project that many thought had died 20 years earlier. About 12,000 vehicles travel on U.S. 2 between West Glacier and Coram each day in summer, and there’s plenty of room in the highway right-of-way for an eight-foot wide asphalt trail.

The Gateway to Glacier Trail project began to take shape in 2010 with a group of six to 10 volunteers from West Glacier, Coram, Martin City, Hungry Horse and Columbia Falls meeting monthly. It received nonprofit status in December 2011 and has the support of residents, businesses, churches and civic groups across the valley.

A second Pints For Paths brewfest will take place at the Heavens Peak Lodge in West Glacier on Saturday, July 14, from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance available at the Stonefly Lounge or $20 at the door. The event will feature beverages from nine Montana breweries, live music by local favorite Sloppy Sue and the Satisfiers and Cure for the Common, of Bozeman, food, vendors, silent auctions and a raffle.

For more information on the Gateway to Glacier Trail project, visit online at www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com or call 387-5282.