MISSOULA – The city of Missoula is joining a list of partners that have agreed to a “benefit and strategy” to restore a dammed portion of Grant Creek.
There is no cost to the city to sign the agreement, but staff will need time as attorneys work to restore Grant Creek at Horseshoe Bend.
“There’s really no funding associated with the memorandum of agreement,” said Tracy Campbell, the utility’s chief of stormwater services. “But it requires commitment from employees to achieve the goals outlined in the vision and strategy.”
The vision acknowledges that lower Grant Creek has undergone “significant degradation” over the past century due to various land uses. Some parts of the river have become a ditch with few natural features.
It also says current and future growth could increase the risk of waterway pollution and flooding through stormwater runoff.
To address the concerns, a Grant Creek Task Force was formed in 2022 under the leadership of the Clark Fork Coalition to advise local governments on potential river projects.
One project was proposed later that year, the Horeshoe Bend Restoration Works. As planned, the project would create a meandering river cut into a 200-foot floodplain corridor.
It also includes an additional floodplain buffer that extends 100 feet on both sides of the river.
The memorandum also states that the “Vision and Strategy for Grant Creek Restoration” will also apply to the lower six miles of the river.
“The main purpose of the MOA is to recognize and encourage collective buy-in from partners,” Campbell said. “The vision and strategy are consistent with a number of the city’s objectives, particularly the creation of a harmonious and natural built environment.”
Restoration of Grant Creek was originally included in the Mullan BUILD project. But funding at the time did not cover the cost of restoration, and the spring was delisted until other funding sources could be found.
With the help of a competitive grant, the project can now begin this winter.
“I’m glad it’s happening,” said City Councilwoman Amber Sherrill.