Driving the need to invest in Infrastructure
By Daniel Bierschwale EBS COLUMNIST
In Montana, they say there are two seasons: winter and construction. As I sit in my car near the Lava Lake bridge waiting for the flagger to signal my lane open, this joke takes on a deeper truth. It highlights a critical issue affecting our state’s economic vitality and quality of life: our infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
Montana’s infrastructure is aging and, in many cases, failing to meet the demands of modern life. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our roads, bridges, public transit and water systems face significant challenges. With our population growing steadily and tourism booming, the need for substantial investment in infrastructure has never been more urgent.
The road network forms the backbone of Montana’s transportation system, crucial for daily life and economic activity. However, the ASCE gives Montana’s roads a grade of C-minus, with 46% rated as poor to mediocre. These rough roads cost each Montanan approximately $385 per year in additional vehicle operating costs. Bridges fare no better, with 7.3% classified as poor or structurally deficient.
Investing in our roads and bridges isn’t just about smoother commutes; it’s about safety, efficiency and economic growth. Modernizing our infrastructure would reduce travel times, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and support industries like agriculture and tourism by facilitating easier transportation of goods and services.
Big Sky is a microcosm of these statewide infrastructure needs. Big Sky exemplifies a growing community grappling with infrastructure challenges. The 2023 Big Sky Capital Improvement Plan identified over $700 million in infrastructure projects over the next decade. This plan addresses needs in transportation, water systems and public facilities, aiming to enhance safety, livability and visitor experience, crucial for a community heavily reliant on tourism.
What is the cost of inaction?
The ASCE report card is clear: delaying infrastructure investment comes with a high cost. Subpar infrastructure currently costs American families an average of $3,300 annually. In Montana, neglecting our infrastructure means continued frustrations with traffic congestion, compromised public safety, and missed opportunities for economic growth. For every dollar invested in infrastructure, the return is exponential. One study shows that for every $1 spent on infrastructure projects, 150% economic return is generated within two to five years. This multiplier effect not only boosts local economies but also creates jobs and stimulates business growth. By addressing our infrastructure needs now, we can foster a more resilient future.
We can take a look at the recent road collapse of Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass as a great example of insufficient investment in infrastructure.
Engineers and geologists had known for decades about the slow-moving landslide along the highway. Despite warning signs such as increasing potholes, cracks, and erosion, necessary repairs were delayed due to budget constraints. Earlier this month, however, the road “catastrophically failed” at milepost 12.8, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation, and is now temporarily closed.
Highway 22 is a crucial route for both local traffic and tourism, serving the bedroom communities of Victor and Driggs, Idaho. Not only does this impact the workforce by increasing their commute time nearly four-fold, conservative estimates state that the road closure is costing Jackson’s local economy roughly $600,000 a day, according to reporting from Mountain Journal.
What if this type of road failure occurred on U.S. Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky? According to a recent analysis, one in three jobs in the region would be impacted by a total closure of this key transportation corridor.
Investing in infrastructure is not merely a short-term solution; it is an investment in our future sustainability. Beyond immediate economic benefits, it ensures long-term resilience by protecting our environment and strengthening community readiness against natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. Reliable infrastructure, such as upgraded roads and water systems, is essential for adapting to evolving environmental challenges and maintaining a high quality of life for residents.
Finding funding solutions for these community needs poses a challenge at federal, state and local levels. The need for capital to finance these improvements is large. Big Sky is exploring funding options and it is clear that community support in advancing these initiatives will be key.
As we wait in our cars, waiting for construction crews to give us the right of way this summer, it’s crucial to recognize the urgency of infrastructure investment. By prioritizing these improvements, we can alleviate summer traffic congestion, improve safety and preserve Big Sky as a destination where both residents and visitors can travel safely and fully enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
