State seeking public comment on proposed maintenance building at Giant Springs State Park
Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed equipment/maintenance building project at Giant Springs State Park. Comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. July 9.
The proposed project would construct a new 24’ x 40’ concrete pad and post frame equipment/maintenance building next to the existing enclosed storage area located at the northeast side of the Heritage portion of the Giant Springs State Park. The previously disturbed site currently serves as storage for trailers, fencing, lumber, equipment, etc. There is existing screening in the form of trees, shrubs, and grass-covered mounds, and if necessary, additional screening would be added. The building is low-maintenance and would match existing structures at the site.
The only building currently available at the park for maintenance storage and equipment is an 8’x10’ wooden shed, which does not adequately meet current demands. More space is needed to consolidate and protect maintenance equipment which is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the property.
The proposed new equipment storage building would allow staff greater ease and organization in addressing inevitable park hazard situations, repairs, projects and upkeep, according to a release. Instead of storing tools and equipment in various makeshift locations or out in the elements, bringing everything together in one central and secure facility will save resources, allowing more effective management of the park and a safer and more enjoyable visitor experience.
[READ: the full draft environmental assessment]
The public comment period will be open for 30 days. The public is invited to comment online at stateparks.mt.gov and click “submit comments;” or by email to jtaillie@mt.gov; or by mail to Giant Springs Maintenance Building EA, Montana State Parks, 4600 Giant Springs Rd., Great Falls, MT., 59405. For question about the draft EA and/or the public comment process, contact John Taillie, Region 4 Parks Manager at (406) 454-5859 or jtaillie@mt.gov.
