Montana City Trails & Trust got a boost from the Jefferson County Commission on July 8, when it earmarked $43,290 for Phase II of the group's trail project.

The Community Transportation Enhancement Program funds will supplement $58,441 in CTEP funds the county earmarked in December.

The funds will go toward installing a 55-foot concrete bridge over Prickly Pear Creek, said Kacey Askin, president of the group.

The bridge has been ordered and should be installed this fall, he said.

The group is waiting for the proper permits from Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Phase II of the project extends the pedestrian bike trail system about 1.1 mile, from the new bridge, then uphill along McClellan Creek Road to Bitterroot Mountain Road and Saddle Mountain Estates.

"The majority of people can access the trail, even from Upper Saddle Mountain, by walking or biking down Bitterroot Mountain and then getting on the trail," Askin said.

The total cost of Phase II of the project is estimated at $176,500.

The trails are a local effort to provide kids safe routes to walk and bike to Montana City School.

Phase I of the program constructed 1.3 miles of paved trails from local subdivisions to the school.

Also, Montana City Schools recently received a $16,390 Safe Routes to School grant to educate children about safely walking and biking to school.

For more information about the trail effort, call Askin at 442-3431.

Reporter Marga Lincoln: 447-4074 or marga.lincoln@helenair.com