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Moorcroft seeks path expansion study

Town seeks public input for improvements to sidewalk system

Moorcroft has received federal funding to perform a feasibility study of the community's pathways and, along with the public meeting December 14, at 6 p.m., has set up a website for residents who, for one reason or another, will not make it to the meeting; it can be found at moorcroftpathways.com.

This study will be looking at improving the sidewalk system along North Big Horn Avenue where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps should be installed as well as improvements and connections to other aspects of the town's pathway system.

HDR Engineering, the town's engineering service, states on the site, "The Moorcroft Feasibility Study will bring the infrastructure improvements to approximately 35% design level and highlight any potential conflicts to be mitigated prior to construction."

The map shows the existing and potential future pathways and connections throughout Moorcroft. The orange dotted line on the map shows the future pathway projects from the previous Pathway Plan. The green dotted line shows potential additions to the updated pathway plan. The solid dark green line shows existing pathway that currently exist.

The council encourages everyone to share their thoughts for this feasibility study and will consider all input, but in the interim, "We want to be shovel ready," says Town Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Schneider.

Schneider stresses the importance of ensuring future funding is approved by funding boards for any potential project.

"We've got to make sure all the funding is in place – the portion [of the match] we have to pay – and have those plans in place." In her opinion, "You're going to be moved up higher on the [grant] list if you're ready."

Phase 2, if approved as the next to be developed, will take the bike/walk path along Highway 14, north under Interstate 90 and ending at Lincoln Street.

Schneider advises people interested in the pathway system including the sidewalk along North Big Horn and how each of the next eight proposed phases will improve and impact Moorcroft to attend the public meeting to share comments and discussion that will influence upcoming decisions.