Board of Commissioners
(406) 758-5503
Brad W. Abell
Randy L. Brodehl
Pamela J. Holmquist
April 24, 2025
Congressman Ryan Zinke
923 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Subject: Support for Federal Funding Application for North Fork Road Guardrail Project
Honorable Congressman Zinke,
Flathead County Commissioners Support Federal Funding for the North Fork Road Guardrail Project
We, the Flathead Board of Commissioners, are writing to express our strong support for the federal funding application to reconstruct 3.52 miles of guardrail along the North Fork Road. This critical infrastructure project is essential for the safety and well-being of the countless individuals who travel this important route.
North Fork Road is a pivotal artery that runs alongside the Wild-and-Scenic designated North Fork River, providing access to major tourist destinations such as Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. Each year, thousands of tourists traverse this long, winding road to explore the natural beauty of our region. This road also serves the local community of Polebridge and is a vital route for U.S. Border Patrol agents, who utilize this road to ensure the security of our border with Canada. Additionally, the North Fork Road provides access to State and Forest Service owned land and is also utilized for general administrative duties including timber hauling, recreation, and forest fire mitigation and management.
The current condition of the North Fork Road poses significant safety risks. The road is primarily a gravel surface with high winds and has areas of steep embankments with drop offs. These factors increase the risk of vehicular accidents, particularly given the high volume of traffic and the diverse needs of its users. Areas of the existing guardrails are significantly damaged from prior vehicular contact and no longer provide an adequate safety barrier for motorists. The replacement and installation of new guardrails will drastically improve safety by preventing vehicles from veering off the road, especially during adverse weather conditions or during emergency events.
The proposed guardrail installation is not only a safety measure, but also a necessary enhancement to sustain and support the economic vitality brought by tourism and the forestry industry. Improved road safety will encourage more visitors, promote local businesses, and ensure smoother and safer operations for federal, state, and community services.
We respectfully urge the federal funding agencies to recognize the importance of the North Fork Road guardrail project and provide the necessary financial support for this project. We believe that this investment would yield significant returns by safeguarding lives, protecting our natural resources, and enhancing the economic development of the area.
Thank you for considering this critical infrastructure improvement. We are committed to working alongside all stakeholders to ensure the project's success and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community and beyond.
Sincerely,
Board of Commissioners
Flathead County, Montana
Pamela J. Holmquist, Chairman
Brad W. Abell, Member
Randy L. Brodehl, Member