The Polson City Commission unanimously approved a 20% match for a Federal Highway Administration grant to fund advanced transportation technology and innovation programs, with the city intending to use the funds for an asphalt reclaimer.

Public Works Director Ashley Walker presented the grant opportunity to the commission on Monday, Aug. 3, and said the machine will significantly improve the department’s speed and ability to resurface roads in Polson. 

An asphalt reclaimer recycles deteriorated asphalt into reusable road material. After this machine recreates the surface, the street department would flatten it with a roller. The city would then contract with Treasure State Concrete to chip seal the road.

Walker noted that this would create a decent road for a couple of years, until the city can financially rebuild the road properly. 

“It would help out in a huge way with a lot of roads around town. We can start flattening roads quicker than trying to rebuild a road one piece at a time,” Walker said. “It'd be a very cool tool.”

The total project cost is $311,000, and the grant would cover 80% of that cost. The city’s $62,000 matching contribution would be required only if the grant is awarded. 

John Hart, who runs the street department, explained that they were able to use this equipment as part of a demonstration on Third Street West and complete a day and a half of work in three or four hours.

As part of the consent agenda, the commission also approved the resolution authorizing the Local Government Review Study Commission's call for a general election.

The government review commission has proposed amendments to the city’s charter that require voter approval in the Nov. 3 general election before they can be implemented.

Also on the agenda was a request from Traci Wall to annex a 3.6-acre lot to the city limits. The commission unanimously approved Wall’s request.