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Flathead County Economic Development Authority announces approximate timeline for Core & Rail Redevelopment

KALISPELL, Mont. – With the TIGER Grant secured, the Flathead County Development Authority announced today that it is on track to begin construction of the Glacier Rail Park in Spring 2016.

The Glacier Rail Park, a business park for rail-served businesses, is situated west of Office Max, in close proximity to Highway 2 East. Initial construction activities will include the installation of water and sewer utilities at the rail park, as well as a leveling of the construction site.

A key benefit of the rail park include is the opportunity for local rail-served businesses to expand. It will also give Flathead County a more competitive position in attracting new manufacturers requiring rail service. Additionally, proximity to Burlington Northern land offers strong possibilities for further industrial development.

"The Glacier Rail Park is bordered by an estimated 60 acres zoned for heavy industrial use and served by a rail spur," shared Kim Morisaki, spokesperson for Flathead County Economic Development Authority. "The rail provider, Burlington Northern, owns a majority of these 60 acres, which provides a great opportunity to grow as demand for rail-served real estate increases."

Tenants are expected to begin locating in the new rail park in 2017. Leading the way will be CHS, which presently has its grain elevators, fertilizer facility and offices located in Kalispell?s Core Area in three different locations.

Current plans for the Core Area redevelopment, slated for 2018, include removal of the railroad tracks bisecting Kalispell and replacing them with a trail for walking and biking. The trail will serve as a linear park with green space, increasing walkability and boosting the opportunity for new investment in Kalispell’s Core Area.

Per terms of the grant, The Flathead County Economic Development Authority and project partner, the City of Kalispell, have up to five years to complete the Core & Rail Redevelopment; both, however, anticipate completing the project earlier, but both see the need for a careful planning phase.

"Planning for implementation will require significant time in coming months," said Doug Russell, City Manager for the City of Kalispell. "While we’d love to break ground today, we know that this preparation is critical to ensuring the entire project is done right."

Prior to beginning work, the City of Kalispell and Flathead County Economic Development Authority will be assigned a Federal Rail Administration Project Manager. That contact will assist in developing a complete management plan to meet all grant requirements, a process which always requires a minimum of twelve weeks.

About the Flathead County Economic Development Authority
Founded in 1999, the Flathead County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is comprised of community members experienced in business and development; they are appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. Through collaboration with corporate professionals, developers, local government, and community organizations, FCEDA invests public dollars in strategic ventures that strengthen the business infrastructure and lifestyle offerings in the Flathead Valley. For more information about FCEDA, visit http://www.dobusinessinmontana.com/#!fceda/c57m.

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