Subdivision Modification Highlights Role of Wheatland Tedd in County Development
Author: Linda Kent, MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Linda Kent, MT 43 News Staff Reporter
County Commission 04102024
Broadwater County Commissioners heard and accepted modifications to the traffic impact study for the Crossroads Minor Subdivision in southern Broadwater County. But discussion of the types of roads needed to support a planned Murdoch's, coffee shop, bank, and other development north of the I-90 and Hwy 287 junction, turned to questions of how infrastructure needs in the area might change and who would be responsible for the costs.
The revisions to the subdivision’s findings of fact and traffic impact study were necessitated by changes to the types of businesses planned for the development.
“My question is, if the usage changes or we find there’s more impact on these roads or we need them up to the major collector standard or that size, . . . who is responsible for the roads at that time?” Commissioner Lindsay Richtmyer asked.
County Planner Nichole Brown noted that the commission’s ability to add any conditions to the subdivision ends with approval of a final plat. She then deferred to County Administrator Bill Jarocki, administrator of the Wheatland Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD).
“I’m not aware of what the commission’s intent is for county roads within the TEDD in terms of maintenance,” Jarocki told the commission. “But my guess would be that it would be the responsibility of the TEDD, not the county road department.”
Established in 2018 and located at the southern tip of Broadwater County, the Wheatland Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD)’s purpose, as outlined in its Comprehensive Development Plan, is “to provide infrastructure in support of value-adding industry.” To do that, tax monies generated within the district are put to use in that area only – a practice known as tax-increment financing (TIF) – with oversight from the TEDD.
Currently, the Wheatland TEDD includes Wheat Montana Bakery, Bridger Brewing, and Ron’s Diesel, among other businesses. The area is not intended for residential development.
Realtor Jeannie Steele voiced her concern that not holding the subdivision to a higher traffic volume standard for construction might lead to unanticipated burdens for taxpayers in the future.
“Historically, the developers hold the best advantage and the citizens hold the bag,” Steele told the commission.
“The way the TEDD is structured, to put money back into that infrastructure, . . . is why I’m OK with that balance,” Richtmyer responded.
“The county contributes zero dollars to the TEDD,” Jarocki explained. “The idea is that the development that goes in there and the taxes that are paid are used for the benefit of that district.” Jarocki noted that the district’s current top priorities for investment of TIF moneys are the water and waste-water services needed for businesses to be able to locate in the area. He added that if development continues as expected, the district will generate enough money to fund and maintain all of the district’s infrastructure needs, including roads.
The commission approved the amended Findings of Fact and Order Report for the Crossroads Subdivision, as well as the subdivision’s updated traffic impact study, opening the door for developer Craig Rickert to move forward with agreements with businesses to locate in the subdivision.
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Image 2 Caption: Source: Broadwater County Wheatland TEDD Comprehensive Development Plan, adopted in 2019 and available at https://www.broadwatercountymt.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif6126/f/pages/broadwater_county_wheatland_tedd_comprehensive_development_plan.pdf
