BILLINGS - The City of Billings now has approval to build a road through school trust parcels for the Inner Belt Loop Project.
This week, two state school trust lands received unanimous approval for the project by Montana's Land Board and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“This process strengthened the partnership between state government, county government, and the City of Billings to aid the citizens of Yellowstone County for future growth and development,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen.
“I am very appreciative of the conversation between private landowners and government in moving this project forward. It is my honor to provide the best investment of Montana’s state trust lands that benefit our schools and our communities,” Superintendent Arntzen said.
The project will connect the Billings Heights to Zimmerman Trail.
“The Inner Belt Loop is critical for the future of Billings as this vital project will improve public safety, spur economic development, and increase the unity of our community,” said Billings Mayor Bill Cole. “Local, state, and federal officials have worked for 30 years to make this road a reality, and I thank the Land Board for taking this important step. The finish line is now in sight.”
The goal of the Inner Belt Loop Project is to alleviate traffic congestion between the Heights and the west end of Billings.
There will also be a trail for bicycle and pedestrian traffic that will provide access to parks and other trail systems.
The project will be funded through the Better Utilizing Investments Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the United States Department of Transportation.
The grant was awarded to the City of Billings in 2020.