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5/23/2025
“Missoula This Week” is crafted by Katie Fairbanks. Send Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Missoula Monitors Storm Recovery
Missoula received $175,500 from FEMA for costs related to July 2024’s severe windstorm; over $3 million has been allocated for ongoing recovery efforts, as reported by emergency management staff.
The storm, with winds up to 100 mph, caused extensive damage and power outages. During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the storm response and related expenses.
“Urban forestry had significant work in the past year, especially initially,” noted Morgan Valliant, associate director of the ecosystem services division.
Following the storm, Missoula County declared an emergency, and subsequent disaster declarations made federal and state funding accessible for the city, explained Adriane Beck, director of the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management.
Initial efforts were centered on safety, road clearing, and power restoration, Beck shared. Urban forestry addressed damaged public trees, with efforts spanning over a month, according to Valliant.
By November, assessments covered 30,000 trees, identifying 8,000 with damage. Contractors removed 400 trees, with a total of 650 public trees lost, Valliant said.
Tree pruning and removal costs were $939,400. FEMA does not cover stump removal or tree replacement costs, Valliant indicated. Residents can procure permits to replace trees in public rights-of-way.
Trees in parks are insured by the city, covering stump removal and replacements, Valliant added. Debris grinding continues at Garden City Compost; Terra Firma processes the debris under a $2.4 million contract.
FEMA funds 75% of eligible expenses, with the city covering 25% up to $417,321, after which the state takes over, Beck said. Emergency response costs totaled $234,000, and FEMA has paid a portion, Beck confirmed.
By the Numbers
Missoula Police Department recorded fewer incidents in 2024 than in 2023, as discussed by Chief Mike Colyer with the city council.
In 2024, there were 1,886 accidents, 10,554 generated cases, and 6,908 criminal cases, with robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide cases decreasing from 2023.
Traffic accidents increased, though fatalities decreased. Eight high-risk intersections are on Reserve Street, and efforts are underway to reduce accidents there.
For more details, see the full report on the department’s website.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
New candidate filing deadlines for municipal elections were announced by the Missoula Elections Office. House Bill 207 modifies filing dates to May 27 through June 11. Filing resumes Tuesday, with 23 candidates for 11 seats.
The Missoula City Council approved an $8.6 million contract to upgrade the compost facility. The project will bring the facility up to state standards and significantly improve operations. Residents’ concerns over PFAs in the compost were addressed.
The Tourism Business Improvement District hotel fee will increase from $2 to $4 per night starting July 1, supporting Missoula tourism promotion.
Property taxes due by June 2 at 5 p.m. Payment options include mail, drop box, or online at missoulataxes.us.
Mountain Line buses will operate on a limited schedule for Memorial Day. Details on Mountain Line’s website. City offices will be closed.
Photo Op
Story House Montana celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new film studio at the former Roseburg Wood Products site. The redevelopment plans include soundstages and production facilities, boosting the local economy. Read more about the project here.
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