MISSOULA — The city of Missoula will join a list of partners who have agreed to a “vision and strategy” to restore an embattled portion of Grant Creek.

While signing the agreement won’t cost the city anything, it will require staff time as advocates work to restore Grant Creek at Horseshoe Bend.

“There are really no funds associated with the memorandum of understanding,” said Tracy Campbell, superintendent of stormwater utilities for the city. “But this requires staff commitment to achieve the goals set out in the vision and strategy. »

The vision recognizes that lower Grant Creek has “suffered significant degradation” over the past century due to various land uses. Parts of the creek have been transformed into a simple ditch with few natural features.

It also says current and future growth could increase the risk of pollution and flooding in waterways from stormwater runoff.

To address these concerns, the Grant Creek Task Force formed in 2022 under the leadership of the Clark Fork Coalition to advise local governments on potential creek projects.

One project was recommended later that year, namely restoration work at Horeshoe Bend. As planned, the project will create a meandering stream cut into a 200-foot floodplain corridor.

It will also include an additional floodplain buffer that will extend 100 feet on each side of the creek.

The memorandum also notes that a “Grant Creek Restoration Vision and Strategy” will also apply to the lower six miles of the creek.

“The primary purpose of the MOA is to recognize and promote collective buy-in among partners,” Campbell said. “The vision and strategy aligns with a number of the city’s objectives, particularly around creating a harmonious and natural built environment.”

Restoration of Grant Creek was initially included in the Mullan BUILD project. But funding at the time did not cover the cost of restoration and the creek was delisted until other sources of funding could be found.

Helped by a competitive grant, the project could now start this winter.

“I’m excited that this is happening,” said City Council Member Amber Sherrill.